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.

Glenmorangie marks 175 years of exceptional whisky creation with rare single-cask release

— Anniversary bottling celebrates Highland single malt’s quintessential smoothness —

Glenmorangie celebrates the 175^th anniversary of its exceptional Highland single malt Scotch whisky with a rare single-cask bottling. Available exclusively to those who make the pilgrimage to the Distillery in Tain, this 16-year-old malt epitomises the smooth, rounded taste which sets Glenmorangie apart.

Glenmorangie has been meticulously crafted on the beautiful banks of the Dornoch Firth since 1843. With just 191 individually numbered bottles created, the anniversary bottling honours the place from which every drop of Glenmorangie flows, to this day.

This celebratory Glenmorangie whisky’s story began with the fragrant, fruity spirit which emerges from the Distillery’s signature copper stills. The tallest in Scotland, their height allows only the finest vapours to reach the top. In late 2001, Glenmorangie’s select craftsmen, the Men of Tain, laid this spirit down in a superior ex-bourbon cask created from American white oak. Skilfully aged in their care, it drew from that first-fill cask all the creamy, vanilla notes and oaky smoothness for which Glenmorangie is renowned.

After 16 years of maturation, the whisky was deemed to have reached its very best. Bottled in 2018, the Distillery’s anniversary year, its character wonderfully amplifies Glenmorangie’s signature smoothness, complemented by the depths that come with age. Fresh and floral on the nose, it has a creamy, distinctive honey and beeswax taste, surrounded by gentle spices, and is non chill-filtered for extra texture and mouthfeel.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks said: “This single-cask bottling is the perfect way for us to mark such a seminal year in the Distillery’s history. Its aromas of vanilla and coconut and richly balanced tastes of tropical fruits, spice and oak, offer a unique insight into Glenmorangie’s quintessential style. I hope those lucky enough to own a bottle will enjoy celebrating this landmark anniversary.” 

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangiecom

NOTES:

Tasting Notes: 

Glenmorangie’s  175^th anniversary bottling is non chill-filtered and bottled at cask strength – 53.1% ABV

Colour: Old Gold

Aroma:  A fresh, floral bouquet, with subtle hints of coconut and vanilla followed by an herbal top note.  A splash of water releases the distinctive aroma of beeswax, alongside honey and citrus.

Taste:  Creamy, luscious and rich, the depth of citrus and tropical fruits (peach, mango and pineapple) is topped by vanilla custard and mint garnish. Gentle spiciness of almond, coconut, ginger and oak contrasts elegantly with the fruitiness.

Finish: A lingering, mouth coating finish with hints of tropical fruit and melting honey sweetness.

RRP: £650 

The 175^th anniversary bottling will be available at the Distillery shop from 6 June 2018.

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at
the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain, who have passed their skills down the generations, often from father to son.  These select craftsmen go to unseen lengths to ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried, uncompromising way as it has been for 175 years.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden is Glenmorangie’s acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation, Distilling & Whisky Stocks.  Dr Bill is regarded by the malt whisky industry as an innovator, creating whiskies which have revolutionised the single-malt market.  In recognition of his team’s work, The Glenmorangie Company was named Distiller of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2012.  Dr Bill, who has a PhD in biochemistry, has combined art and science in his work since he joined The Glenmorangie Company in 1995.  He is renowned for his groundbreaking wood management techniques, experimentation with exceptional casks at various ages, and use of extra-maturation.  Dr Bill has won a series of prestigious awards and accolades.  He added to his plaudits by winning the 2015 International Spirits Challenge’s special recognition award for a Master Distiller/Blender and was further honoured with the title of Master Distiller/Blender of the Year, at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2016 awards. Most recently, Dr Bill has been hailed as Master Distiller of the Year by the International Whisky Competition, in both 2016 and 2017.

About visiting the Distillery:

The Glenmorangie Distillery welcomes visitors from around the world, throughout the year. Tours offer an unparalleled insight into the Distillery, taking visitors through all stages of Glenmorangie’s award-winning whisky creation – from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.  Pre-booking is recommended. Those seeking a memento of their visit will find a range of Glenmorangie expressions in the Distillery shop, including the 175^th anniversary bottling.

For more information call 01862 892477, email tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk or visit www.glenmorangie.com

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers
savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines
for alcohol consumption.

Glen Scotia delivered triple treat at Campbeltown Malts Festival 

Whisky lovers enjoyed a triple treat as independent distiller Glen Scotia rolled out three limited edition single malts as part of this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival.

The Campbeltown Malts Festival, which this year ran from 22-24 May, celebrates all that is unique and special about single malts from the region. In the Victorian era the town was home to more than 30 distilleries and known as ‘whisky capital of the world’.

Today Glen Scotia is one of just three surviving local distilleries and its award-winning whiskies are known for their distinctive Campbeltown character.

The Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt, launched during last year’s festival, was recently crowned a Double Gold medal winner at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018, along with the Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt, which was also a newcomer in 2017.

Making its debut as part of this year’s event was the Glen Scotia 2000 Single Cask Festival bottling. Selected by a panel which included whisky expert Charles MacLean, just 147 bottles of this beautifully balanced 18 Year Old, which combines maritime notes with a buttery vanilla sponge base, have been made available and they can only be purchased directly from the distillery, priced at £150.

Guests at the Glen Scotia Whisky Dinner, which launched the festival on Tuesday 22 May, each received their own exclusive single malt. The Glen Scotia Whisky Dinner Single Cask bottling was distilled in 2010. It combines subtle peat with a sweet spiciness before a salty and distinctly maritime finish.

The sold-out event, which paired local produce with a selection of Glen Scotia drams, was held at the Ardshiel Hotel. The hotel’s bar is renowned internationally for its extensive collection of single malts.

Finally, making its first international outing at the festival was the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival 2018 Limited Edition Ruby Port Finish, priced at £45. Distilled in 2008 and matured in first fill bourbon barrels before being finished in Ruby Port casks for six months, the non-chill filtered liquid was then bottled at cask strength – 57.8% ABV.

Peated and smooth, this limited edition 10 Year Old Single Malt is sweetened by red fruits before delivering a long finish tinged with a dry saltiness. Only 6,000 bottles have been made available worldwide, with orders already in from markets including Germany, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager at Glen Scotia, said: “We enjoyed welcoming visitors old and new to Glen Scotia as part of this year’s Campbeltown Malts Festival. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to discover our award-winning Glen Scotia single malts and the distinctive character associated with Campbeltown, which is the smallest of Scotland’s five Scotch producing regions.

“This year’s festival was extra special as it followed our recent double golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018. We’ve long championed craftsmanship at Glen Scotia, and our time honoured traditions are now being recognised as more and more people seek to engage with craft drinks and discover new brands.”

In addition to releasing new expressions, Glen Scotia distillery laid on an expanded festival events programme this year.

On Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 May the distillery hosted dunnage tastings as well as free distillery tours. Cooperage demonstrations and tastings were also available, while local stalls offered a variety of craft items and produce.

Demand for Glen Scotia’s distinctive single malts has soared following the launch of a new Global Travel Retail range and the introduction of the ‘Glen Scotia Grand Tour’, an experiential event designed to offer whisky lovers the chance to experience the essence of Campbeltown.

Held in London’s Borough Market from 15 – 17 March, the Glen Scotia Grand Tour aimed to transport whisky lovers to the Glen Scotia distillery on the Mull of Kintyre and replicate the experience of visiting the distinctive Campbeltown Whisky region. It is set to be rolled out to the US later this year.

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

Notes:

About Glen Scotia:

•        Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.

•        Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.

•        The Glen Scotia 18 Year Old Single Malt and Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt were each awarded Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2018

•        Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition

•        Glen Scotia Victoriana won best Campbeltown Single Malt at World Whisky Awards 2017.

•        Glen Scotia Double Cask was named Scottish Field Whisky of the Year 2016

•        Glen Scotia 15 Year Old won Double Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition 2016

THE MACALLAN RELAUNCHES PORTFOLIO TO CELEBRATE A NEW ERA FOR THE BRAND

New York, May 30, 2018 – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled a bold new look across its portfolio in celebration of an exciting new era for the brand – marked by the opening of its innovative new distillery in Speyside, Scotland this summer. The revamped bottle design draws inspiration from luxury expression The Macallan Rare Cask, modern design cues reflected in the new distillery, and consumer feedback around making the whisky ranges easier to navigate. The refined new look also coincides with the core portfolio being redefined into three ranges that simply reflect the types of cask used to mature The Macallan – Sherry Oak Cask, Double Cask and Triple Cask Matured.

A BOLD NEW DESIGN

The exciting new product design includes:

• A proprietary broad-shouldered bottle with a distinctive chevron cut that tapers toward the neck
• A clear color-coding system and icons to identify different ranges based on cask make-up
• Amplified collectability on the core premium ages by enhancing the wooden boxes for all expressions 25 Years or older by using real oak, reflecting The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks
• Expressions 18 Years or older feature new, elevated packaging and a heavier glass weight bottle with wider shoulders and larger base
• An anti-refill enclosure and anti-counterfeit technology to ensure that consumers are protected at the point of purchase

Sam Leotta, Senior Brand Manager at The Macallan said: “With this bold new design, we are highlighting the extraordinary whisky inside the bottle as we show off its unmistakable characteristics, like all-natural color, which we at The Macallan and every whisky enthusiast worldwide really value. While the whisky remains unchanged, the new bottle can be displayed anywhere from a world-class bar to a bar cart at home, making the same lasting impression. ”

The new bottles will be available across the US from May 2018.

CORE PORTFOLIO REDEFINED

The core portfolio will now be broken into three distinct ranges, clearly identified to consumers by cask types’ signifiers on each bottle:

• Sherry Oak Range: A rich and intense range of single malt whiskies matured in hand-picked Sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain. The European oak reveals an intensely rich character and style of whisky with complex flavors of dried fruits and sweet spices.
• Double Cask Range: Maturation in hand-picked Sherry-seasoned American and Sherry-seasoned

European oak casks delivers a range combining the classic Macallan style with the unmistakable

predominance of American oak. The result is an approachable yet complex style of the Macallan, rich in flavor, with a viscous mouth feel.

• Triple Cask Matured Range: Matured in Sherry-seasoned European, Sherry-seasoned American oak casks and ex-bourbon American oak casks. The Macallan Triple Cask Matured range offers an extraordinarily smooth, delicate yet complex character.

As part of this, the Fine Oak range – launched in 2004 – will be renamed Triple Cask Matured. Fine Oak has always been matured in three different cask types, so renaming it Triple Cask Matured puts it in line with Sherry Oak (one cask type) and Double Cask (two cask types), making it easier to navigate and giving fans a whisky perfect for every occasion.

Sam Leotta commented, “We want to make it easy for our consumers to select a whisky that’s right for them and for the many whisky moments they are experiencing. By consolidating our core ranges to Sherry Oak, Double Cask and Triple Cask Matured, we’re able to highlight the unique and rich diversity of whisky styles coming out of our distillery and also encourage new and existing fans to try The Macallan across a variety of flavor profiles suitable for many different occasions.”

For further information visit www.us.themacallan.com.

For further information, please contact:

M Booth: themacallan@mbooth.com

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 or the best of the best 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 www.us.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Black Mountain unveils sea-matured limited edition

French whisky bottler Black Mountain reveals its newest addition – Spirit of The Sea – Voyage #1, a unique expression limited to 460 bottles from their sea maturation experiment.

Back in May 2016, a cask of Black Mountain whisky was embarking with sail transport company TOWT, as a unique experiment to experience the effects of several months at sea on a merchant ship. The 280-litre cask (previously containing French brandy), travelled for 6 months between the French and British coasts, breathing sea breeze and navigating through waves and tides of The Channel and the North Sea.

 The cask returned to its warehouse in South-western France late 2016 for a further 12 months of maturation. It has now been bottled without further reduction nor chill-filtration at 42.7% ABV and boasts delicious notes of plums, apricots, demerara sugar, oak and bitter dark chocolate.

Cédric Leprette, co-founder of Black Mountain says – “The effect of nature and climate on maturing whisky is fascinating and unexpected, you cannot predict how the whisky is going to turn, in fact, it could have been a total disaster, but that’s also this unknown factor that makes this kind of experiment very exciting.

With Black Mountain, we’re trying to bring something more, it’s not only about importing and bottling whisky, it’s about going the extra mile and bottle something interesting, something that we love, something that excites our senses and minds!”

Maturing a whisky at sea aboard an old English vessel such as The Grayhound Lugger isn’t the most natural move for a company deeply rooted in the heart of Occitania. It was a wonderful adventure shaped by enriching encounters, stunning scenery and in the end… A whisky that encompasses all this ».

Black Mountain organised a special contest over its social media to find a name for their #BarrelAtSea, that’s how “Spirit of The Sea” was chosen, encompassing the idea behind this whisky.

Black Mountain is actually conducting a larger experiment scheme with sea-maturation, as another cask of their whisky is currently flowing somewhere in the ocean, while some of their spirit is also sleeping in a sea-matured rum cask.

Spirit of The Sea will be availble from May 29 in selected retail shops at a RRP of 79€ (50cl). 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Black Mountain Compagnie

The story of Black Mountain begins in 2011, when 4 passionate friends came up with the idea to use the exceptional waters of a high altitude spring (1000m) located within a natural wonder, the national park of Haut Languedoc, which will be the location of the future distillery.

Before the distillery starts operating, and with the aim to demonstrate its know-how, the founding team at Black Mountain Compagnie has launched three blended whiskies, finished in the best French spirits casks and named “Black Mountain Selection”.

BM N°1 was named Best European Blended Whisky at the 2015 edition of The World Whiskies Awards.

BM N°2 wax awarded with a silver medal at the IWSC 2016.

BM Notes Fumées is the last addition to the permanent range, bringing a smoky take to the classic Black Mountain profile.

To find out more, please visit www.blackmountain.fr 

TOWT – TransOceanic Wind Transport

TransOceanic Wind Transport is a sailing freight transport company that offers a concrete and alternative solution both to climate warming and to the energy challenge.

Guillaume Le Grand, founder of TOWT, is an energy specialist and has a significant experience on sailing boats.  He holds a degree in Sustainable Development, Energy and Environment. After having lived in Berlin and in London, he founded TransOceanic Wind Transport in 2009, so as to prove the viability of cargo sail-shipping

To find out more, please visit www.towt.eu  

Cometh the hour, cometh the Man

Annandale Distillery announces launch date for Man O’Words and Man O’Sword on #WorldWhiskyDay

Annandale Distillery has announced a launch date for its two single malt whisky expressions, Man O’Words and Man O’Sword on World Whisky Day.

Whisky enthusiasts will be able to buy online from the distillery website and at the distillery shop from Wednesday 13^th June 2018.

The much-anticipated launch is the culmination of a £14m restoration, redevelopment and relaunch project, and lifelong ambition for co-owners David Thomson and Teresa Church, who bought the derelict former Johnnie Walker site in 2007.

Both expressions have been carefully crafted to deliver a specific sensory profile that they felt was missing from the single malt landscape.

With the help of food and beverage sensory specialists MMR Research Worldwide from the outset, both whisky brands were developed from the bottom-up, starting with the target sensory profiles of the whiskies, capturing conceptualisations around the two expressions, and building a compelling brand narrative and visual assets from there, all the while optimizing the sensory delivery to keep the overall proposition aligned.

Man O’Words is a fresh and free-spirited whisky, inspired by Scotland’s national poet (and Exciseman in Annan) Robert Burns, which offers excellent balance between fruit and vanilla, and ‘intriguing depth’.

Man O’Sword challenges the misconception that distilleries in the south of Scotland only produce light and fruity expressions, with a distinctive soft and very well balanced smokiness.

Thomson and Church are impatient to launch; “It has been a long haul from first encountering the derelict distillery to seeing our brands on-shelf but it has been a joy and a privilege to be part of this journey. We’re delighted with the character, mellowness and balance of our ‘early release’ whiskies which have already developed a distinctive ‘Annandale style’. We hope that whisky lovers from around the World will enjoy them.”  

Annandale Distillery will be pouring Man O’Words and Man O’Sword at Edinburgh Whisky Festival on 16^th June, and at this year’s London Whisky Show in September.

MORE ABOUT ANNANDALE DISTILLERY

Established in 1836, Annandale is one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries.

Located close to the Scotland/England border, it’s also the first (and last) distillery in Scotland.

Whilst in the ownership of the famous Johnnie Walker, Annandale Distillery closed in 1918, seemingly forever, but was saved from dereliction by Professor David Thomson and Teresa Church. Operations resumed on November 3^rd 2014 and three years later on November 15^th 2017, the first bottle of Annandale Single Malt Scotch Whisky was filled. Man O’Words and Man O’Sword launch on 13^th June 2018.

Father’s Day is a celebration of that special figure in your life, and no matter who you’re celebrating on June 17^th this year, we’ve got your gift covered with four unique whisk(e)ys they’re sure to love. To help identify the perfect whisk(e)y to gift this year, below are four very different marques each possessing their own unique qualities, just like each individual dad. Included in the line-up are Bulleit Barrel Strength, Crown Royal Blenders’ Mash, Orphan Barrel’s Rhetoric 24-Year-Old and George Dickel Tabasco Brand Barrel Finish.

George Dickel Tabasco Brand Barrel Finish (Suggested Retail Price $24.99) 

If dad’s a fan of spicy flavors, George Dickel Tabasco Brand Barrel Finish will do the trick. This one-of-a-kind spirit embodies the essence of its Louisiana and Tennessee roots with authentic spice and flavors. George Dickel Tabasco Brand Barrel Finish took home a Gold Medal in this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Crown Royal Blenders’ Mash (Suggested Retail Price $27.99) 

Crown Royal Blenders’ Mash is the first offering in the Crown Royal Blenders’ Series, a new line of special whiskies that celebrate the art of blending. The new offering showcases a classic whisk(e)y style with a distinctive smooth finish. A perfect fit for the dad that appreciates craftmanship.

Bulleit Barrel Strength (Suggested Retail Price $59.99) 

Awarded a Double Gold Medal and named the Best Straight Bourbon in the 2018 San Francisco Spirits Awards, Bulleit Barrel Strength is a whiskey un-cut and un-filtered. Bulleit Bourbon is distilled and aged in Bulleit family tradition, after founder Tom Bulleit was inspired by an old family bourbon recipe passed down through generations. Once sold by hand, today Bulleit Bourbon is one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America.

Rhetoric 24-Year-Old (Suggested Retail Price $130) 

For those looking for a unique and rare gift for their dad, Orphan Barrel Whiskey recently released a new, extremely limited variant within its Rhetoric family. With a unique lineage steeped in whiskey aging experimentation, this year’s Rhetoric 24-Year-Old gives way to the fifth iteration of the whiskey, which has been aged a year longer than its predecessor.

WHISKY AUCTION EXPECTED TO MAKE HISTORY 

A bottle of three-year-old single malt whisky is set to break the record for the most expensive English whisky sold at auction, an historic moment which will confirm the country’s young industry as an authentic new world challenger to the established distilleries North of the border.

The Lakes Distillery is to auction 99 of its first bottles of single malt whisky, with bottle number one expected to go for several thousand pounds.

The Lakes Single Malt whisky, called Genesis, is being sold at cask strength in a bespoke rosewood presentation box, each individually numbered and hand signed by Dhavall Gandhi, the Whiskymaker. Genesis comes from the Greek word meaning origin. The name pays homage to the distillery’s beginning, and gives a tantalising glimpse into its future.

Nigel Mills CBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Lakes Distillery, said: “We have gathered an exceptional team of experts here at the distillery, all with their own specialities, who have all been working towards this important milestone in our history, where we can finally call our spirit whisky. Our whiskymaker has worked tirelessly to ensure that The Lakes Genesis single malt whisky is world class.”

Whiskymaker, Dhavall Gandhi, explained the key components of creating Genesis: “The whisky was first matured in Oloroso hogsheads giving it a vibrant character full of dried ginger and wood-spice. After the initial period of maturation, the whisky was finished in casks made-up of American and European oak to add a layer of dried fruit and vanilla.  Finally, these two components were married together in Orange wine casks from the Andalucía region of Spain, giving it a spicy and chocolate-orange character.

“We don’t just bottle our whisky because it is three years old; instead, I look at each cask to assess them individually until I find the right flavour profile. We have reached a peak for some casks and that is why we are releasing a limited number now.”

Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Lakes Distillery, said: “We believe that our whisky making philosophy ensures obsessive attention is paid to the areas of the process which contribute towards flavour delivery, the key to great whisky. Our range of individually specified oak casks, combined with the skill and artistry of our whiskymaker, deliver a whisky which elegant, but full of complex sherry-led flavours.”

Alan Rutherford OBE, Chairman of The Lakes Distillery, said: “Our expectations for the auction are very high because we have gathered a very large following and there’s a lot of interest in the products we are bringing forward. Genesis will be very limited in its supply and very interesting in its quality and so we predict that the first bottles will set a record for English whisky at auction.”

The auction, which will be hosted on www.whiskyauctioneer.com, starts on Saturday 29^th June and will run until 12 noon on Tuesday 10th July.

Sean McGlone, Managing Director of Whisky Auctioneer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved in the sale of The Lakes Distillery’s new release; Genesis. As an auctioneer, the only thing that excites us as much as old whisky, is a brand new one. Alongside the rest of the whisky world, we have been watching the distillery with great anticipation. So, to now see its progress come to fruition is really exciting.

“Whisky Auctioneer is dedicated to the provision of a first-class service and expertise to our buyers and sellers, and we feel that this, coupled with the fantastic product The Lakes Distillery has bottled, will help us achieve a record-breaking sale for an English single malt.”

The distillery was founded with money from a group of North of England based investors. A further 2,435 investors supported the Distillery in a round of crowd funding on Crowdcube six months ago, raising £1.62million.

In addition, 2,975 whisky lovers joined an exclusive Founders Club, giving them the opportunity to enjoy a 70cl bottle of The Lakes spirit every year for 10 years.

The Distillery, on the banks of the River Derwent, is already being featured on international lists as a global tourism destination, including being named one of ‘eight distilleries to see [in the world] before you die’ by World Whisky Day and being named ‘best distillery facilities in the world’ for the third year running at Spirits Business Magazine’s Global Distillery Awards 2018.

It was the only distillery in the UK, and only attraction in Cumbria, to be awarded the prestigious Gold Accolade by VisitEngland, and is already a Top Ten Lake District tourist attraction, with its tours, gift shop and Bistro receiving in excess of 100,000 visitors a year.

The company has produced the equivalent of 750,000 bottles of whisky, or whisky spirit to date. It has won numerous prestigious awards for its Gin and Vodka brands, as well as The One, the world’s only blend of British whisky, all on sale in high street outlets in the UK and in major export markets, including the Far East and Australia.

For more information on the auction, please visit: www.lakesdistillery.com

Notes:

The Lakes Distillery employs 85 people and is led by a team of four: 

Paul Currie, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, as one part of the father-son team behind the Isle of Arran Distillers, Paul has whisky in his veins!

Nigel Mills CBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, was the driving force that saw the Mills convenience store brand grow from 11 newsagents to a chain of 77 convenience stores and eight supermarkets.

Dhavall Gandhi, Operations Director and Whiskymaker, joined the Distillery after fine-tuning his skills at Macallan and is instrumental in crafting the Lake District’s only single malt whisky.

Alan Rutherford OBE, Chairman, a leading figure in the whisky world, as testified by his OBE for services to the Scotch Whisky Industry and as the former production director at Diageo.

Lakes Distillery spirits are now available in multiple national retail chains including; Marks and Spencers, Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Harvey Nichols, Majestic Wine and Booths, alongside a number of independent specialist spirit retailers and World Duty Free shops.

The business is also supplying export markets in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan, and South Africa.

The Lakes Distillery has won six awards for its visitor experience including the Global Masters Award for Distillery Visitor Facilities and Visitor Experience. It has also won awards for its spirits, tourism, its Bistro and the quality of its new buildings within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Lake District National Park.