Ardbeg spreads ‘Peat & Love’ to launch The Magical Whisky Tour 2018
Ardbeg Day Saturday 2nd June 2018
#peatandlove

This year’s Ardbeg Day celebrations will take Ardbeggians and whisky-lovers alike back in time for a celebration of all things ‘Peat & Love’.

Following the announcement in March of Ardbeg Day 2018’s groovy 1960’s theme and the release of Ardbeg Grooves, the untamed spirit of Islay is revealing a summer of ‘Peat & Love’ gatherings across the UK at whisky hotspots and music festivals: ‘The Magical Whisky Tour 2018’

Inspired by the alternative lifestyle and unorthodox spirit of a previous generation, Ardbeg Grooves has been matured in ex-wine casks which have been intensely charred to form heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. The result is a whisky aromatic with smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats.

On Saturday, 2nd June 2018, the Islay distillery will be rolling back the years to the Ardbeg Village of the late 1960s, opening its doors to whisky-lovers from around the globe. For those unable to make it to Islay to celebrate during Feis Ile, Islay’s untamed spirit will be hosting a live online tasting from Hard to Find Whisky in Birmingham, inviting peat lovers to join in the festivities. Ardbeg Embassies around the UK will be taking part in the peaty online tasting, including:

– Vintage House/ The Soho Whisky Club in London
– The Wee Dram in Bakewell, The Peak District
– Luvians in Cupar, Scotland
– Gordon & MacPhail in Elgin, Scotland
– Royal Mile Whiskies, Edinburgh

Ardbeg Day will also mark the launch of The Magical Whisky Tour, with Ardbeg’s own 1960s inspired VW van touring the country and making stops at a number of leading music festivals, bars and Ardbeg Embassies, serving smoky drams to the masses, spreading a taste of Islay’s ‘Peat & Love’ and good vibes along the way. Festival go-ers will have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of Ardbeg through interactive tastings and VR experiences.

The Magical Whisky Tour will comprise the following stops:

Festivals…
– Euroica Brittania: 15th – 17th June, Derbyshire
– Love Supreme: 29th June – 1st July, Lewes
– Blue Dot Festival: 20th – 22nd July, Macclesfield
– Kendall Calling: 26th – 29th July, Cumbria

Plus a number of Ardbeg Embassies and bars over June and July (visit: www.ardbeg.com for the full details).

Distillery Manager Mickey Heads said: “The Ardbeg Village of the 1960s was a very different place – a groovy wee community, with its own post office, billiards hall, two choirs and even a football team. These days the Ardbeg community is a worldwide one, and Ardbeg Day is the best way for us all to come together and raise a dram to the ultimate Islay single malt.”

The Ardbeg Day release of Ardbeg Grooves goes on sale on 2nd June and is available from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialist retailers and the Distillery, RRP £98.

For more information about Peat & Love, go to www.ardbeg.com/peatandlove

Find us at: www.ardbeg.com
Follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/

NOTES:

Ardbeg Day:
Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home. On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world. In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country. Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2015, Ardbeg Day celebrated the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward 200 years to a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215. For 2016, Ardbeg Day became Ardbeg Night, as fans across the globe recalled Islay’s dark past as a smugglers’ haunt. And in 2017, Ardbeg Day plunged deep under the sea for another legendary celebration.

Ardbeg Grooves: Ardbeg Grooves is a limited-edition bottling created to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2018. It is the Distillery’s first whisky with a heart matured in wine casks that have been intensely charred to carve heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. The result is a whisky with perfect harmony between smouldering, smoky cinnamon and the sweetness of vanilla popcorn, treacle and pear – with an intensity Ardbeg lovers will adore.

Tasting notes: Ardbeg Grooves is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

Colour: Berbere*

Nose: Intense aromas of smoked cinnamon and paprika, antique leather and saddle soap, with classic Ardbeg scents of pine resin, tar and briny sea spray in the background. A distant hint of a fragrant bonfire by the shores of the distillery and, finally, an unusual savoury note, like chilli-seasoned meats. A little splash of water releases some beautiful, unexpected aromas: lavender scented soap, ground white pepper, floral and herbal notes entwined. Fresh flowers mix with coriander leaves and mint.

Taste: A powerfully salty mouthfeel drifts into sweet vibes of treacle toffee, vanilla popcorn, salted fruits with soot and tar. Again, those distinctive savoury notes of smoky BBQ, paprika and mustard spice, fading into an unexpected haze of smoked pears and apples, almost like pear cider.

Finish: Smoked paprika and bonfires with a mellow sweetness throughout.

*African spice blend of a reddish/orange hue

Ardbeg: Ardbeg is The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by whisky lovers around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most intense of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until it was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee: The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers in 130 countries worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards: Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘World Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013). At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’. The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100. Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2017 Ardbeg Kelpie, released to celebrate Ardbeg Day, was named Whisky of the Year International Whisky Competition.

The Glenmorangie Company: The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt.

Responsible Drinking: Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

AMAZON PRIME TO AIR “THE THREE DRINKERS DO SCOTCH”

New three-part series shakes up the whisky category

A new three-part series surrounding Scotch whisky invites Amazon Prime viewers to embark on an imbibing adventure with a trio of spirits enthusiasts. Set to air later in 2018, Colin Hampden-White, Helena Nicklin and Adrian (Aidy) Smith will take their global audience of over 120million viewers on a journey of discovery around Scotland, exploring the world of whisky through ‘edutainment.’

In “The Three Drinkers Do Scotch,” the trio of presenters will tap into an otherwise distant audience, while also staying relevant to those who already enjoy a dram.

Journalist, photographer and himself a Keeper of the Quaich, Colin Hampden-White explains: “By following our journey, our audience can absorb the flavours, culture and diversity of Scotland’s iconic spirit. We want people to feel inspired to try Scotch whisky – maybe for the first time, or perhaps they are already a fan looking for something new. This is the other side of the all-to-often snobbish and pretentious way in which drinks are communicated. Scotch has never before been promoted through entertainment on a digital platform as The Three Drinkers are doing so now.”

Helena Nicklin, wine and drinks presenter, author, writer and videographer, continues: “During filming, my intention is to get as close as possible to make the world of whisky – and drinks in general – less stuffy. Forget the swirling glasses and the lofty tasting notes. This show is fun and we want to teach through an entertaining travelogue in a way that appeals and makes sense to everyone.”

“Let’s face it, people like to explore new flavours, places and experiences,” continues wine and spirits columnist and drinks inspirer, Aidy Smith. “Now is the time to encourage younger and more inquisitive generations to get involved and excited about this industry. Drinks tend to all look the same on camera, but this is a subject that is so sexy in real life. So we asked ourselves: how can we take a world-famous spirit and inspire people? Our first three episodes are only the beginning.”

“The Three Drinkers Do Scotch” will be filmed in summer 2018 and air on Amazon Prime later in the year. Series 1 is already in partnership with Winerist – a global market leader for experiential tours and digital content in one of the fastest growing trends in travel: food and drink. With over 200 destinations worldwide, 3000+ experiences and a rapidly growing community of thirsty readers, Winerist provides inspirational drinks travel and content to those seeking an imbibing adventure.

Each of the three 30-minute episodes in series 1 will feature The Three Drinkers doing drinks differently – with big personalities, stunning landscapes, quirky visuals and humour. Available to over 120 million subscribers in the UK, USA, Japan and India*, this will be the largest drinks series on any platform. Series 2 is currently in creation.

*This program will continuously enter into new markets/countries as Amazon Prime expands its global reach.

About The TALENT

COLIN HAMPDEN-WHITE
Working initially for the Scotsman, Colin moved to London to work for The Times and Financial Times. During this time, he explored his love of wine and whisky, culminating in his series: the Greatest Winemakers and Greatest Whisky makers, exhibiting extensively in London, including the National Portrait Gallery, and Manhattan, winning the Louis Roederer Award for Artistry along the way. Colin continues to write about wine and spirits for LUX and Condé Nast. He has won the Born Digital award for photography, is a Keeper of the Quaich, and is Chairman of the Circle of Wine Writers. Having been the founding editor for Whisky Quarterly magazine, he is now the spirits editor at Winerist.

HELENA NICKLIN
Helena Nicklin is an award-winning wine and drinks presenter, author, freelance writer and influencer. She is also Head of Content for drinks, food and travel platform Winerist.com. As a professional drinks communicator, Helena’s niche lies in bridging the gap between fabulously detailed books and those who just want the basics in memorable, bite-size chunks. A member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers, Helena has written for various consumer publications and her videos have been featured on international wine travel sites. She is a columnist for online entrepreneurial website Talented Ladies Club and writes for luxury print title Savile Row Style Magazine. She also presents workshops at consumer fairs, has appeared as the wine expert on live TV, frequently speaks on TalkRADIO, runs private wine tasting events, writes and edits copy for wine businesses and sits on various tasting panels for competitions.

AIDY SMITH
Adrian is a fresh face and emerging personality in the wine and spirits industry, with a particular focus on the modern and explorative drinker. Put bluntly, the industry has remained stagnant for way too long and it’s about time an emphasis was placed on getting the younger and more inquisitive generations more involved and excited. Cutting through the BS, Adrian creates a fun and approachable mind-set to wine and spirits through his interactive guides, ABC education, videos, masterclasses and anti-snobbery approach. Former Editor-in-Chief for Drink Me, Adrian is the wine and spirits columnist for The Independent, Head of Brand Partnerships at Winerist, and official Brand Ambassador for Vivino (the world’s #1 wine community). Aidy has a vibrant community of over 126 million thirsty readers each month.

Notes 

FORMAT – “The Three Drinkers Do Scotch”
Episodes: 3-Part Series
Length: 3 x 30-Minute Episodes
Episode 1: What is Whisky?
Episode 2: Exploring The Key Regions
Episode 3: A Journey Through Scotland
Filming Dates: Summer 2018
Live Dates: November 2018

CARIBOU CROSSING CANADIAN WHISKY NAMED

“CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY FINALIST”

AT 2018 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Three other Sazerac Canadian whiskies honored 

        NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (May 24, 2018) – Judges awarded four Canadian whiskies from the Sazerac Company with high honors at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and selected Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky as “Chairman’s Trophy Finalist.”

Those awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended” were:

• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky
• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Blended Whisky
• Rich & Rare Reserve Canadian Blended Whisky

Awarded the distinction of “Very Good, Strong Recommendation” was:

• High River Canadian Blended Whisky

Rich & Rare Reserve and Royal Canadian Small Batch were deemed to be “Great Values.” Caribou Crossing was designated as “Tried & True,” as was Rich & Rare Reserve.

This competition, in its eighth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2018results.

About the Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

PORT ASKAIG WELCOMES TWO NEW EXPRESSIONS IN THE US

8 Year Old joins core range as a 14 Year Old Bourbon Cask limited edition is released 

Scotch whisky brand Port Askaig is extending its core range of Islay single malt whiskies available in the United States, with Port Askaig 8 Year Old aged in refill American oak casks, whilst also releasing a limited edition 14 Year Old aged in Bourbon barrels.

Port Askaig 8 Year Old

Having recently been awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, alongside Port Askaig 110° Proof, the arrival of Port Askaig 8 Year Old in the US is hotly anticipated among spirits connoisseurs.

Port Askaig 8 Year Old, made in a beautifully sweet, smoky style, is an elegant and approachable expression that offers the perfect introduction to Islay single malts. Sourced from just north of the village of Port Askaig, the whisky is aged in refill American oak casks. This allows the character of the spirit to shine through, making for a gentle, smoky, moreish dram. This expression is an addition to the core range.

Tasting notes from whiskymaker Oliver Chilton:

Nose      Fresh, clean and vibrant with notes of lemon oil and sea spray. The smoke is gentle but alluring, reminiscent of wood embers and coal, cooling on a beach fire.

Palate   Rich citrus fruit and salt-baked mackerel. Classic Islay peat reek is mixed with a subtle honeysuckle sweetness while a background herbal character adds balance.

Finish    Barley sugar lingers as the soot and smoke dissipate, leaving the palate clean and ready for another sip. 

Port Askaig 8 Year Old is bottled at 45.8% ABV. Available at all good Scotch whisky retailers from early June at an RSP of $65.

Port Askaig 14 Year Old Bourbon Cask – Limited Edition

The new limited edition, Port Askaig 14 Year Old Bourbon Cask, was distilled in 2004 and matured in 11 first-fill bourbon barrels. This rare peated version from a distillery in the north-east corner of Islay, better known for its unpeated expressions, balances robust smokiness and sweet spice. Its character, however, still hints at its signature rich, sweet style.

Tasting notes from whiskymaker Oliver Chilton:

Nose      Stewed fruits and barbecue coal with sea spray and coastal rocks. Sweet smoke dissipates as core flavours of fresh citrus and salted caramel come to the fore combining classic Islay flavours with refreshing fruity notes.

Palate   Burnt honeycomb and baked raisins infused with five-spice and peat smoke. Candied fruits and sherbet lemon build as an underlying earthy peat brings together a superbly rich and juicy mouthfeel, with crème-brûlée-like notes and a delicious peat-infused caramel layer.

Finish    Long and heavy with maple-cured bacon and liqueur-soaked sultanas. A beautifully fresh and peaty finish.

Port Askaig 14 Year Old is bottled at 45.8% ABV. Available at all good Scotch whisky retailers from early June at an RSP of $99.99. Only 420 bottles are available in the US.

Sam Filmus, President of the brand’s importer ImpEx Beverages, commented: “The 110° proof US exclusive of Port Askaig is now being joined by the 8 and 14 year old bottlings, and we’re delighted to see this brand grow in the US and offering more expressions to Islay connoisseurs. Elixir Distillers and ImpEx Beverages have been working together as partners to make the best of Islay available. There is lots of soul behind this brand and that transfers into every drop of the spirit.”

ABOUT PORT ASKAIG

Created from carefully selected casks from distilleries across Islay, all whiskies from Port Askaig are truly ‘small-batch’ with as few as two, and no more than 40, casks used for each bottling. Port Askaig whiskymaker Oliver Chilton selects, matures and marries casks from distilleries around Islay. He creates Port Askaig expressions that showcase the diversity of Islay while maintaining the elegance and approachability that epitomises Port Askaig.

Islay whisky creates a myriad of styles, displaying light honey and sea spray flavours, as well as crashing waves of smoke and peat. These characters are essential to creating an exceptional Islay Scotch whisky and so, in order to maintain the authenticity of the Port Askaig liquid, the creators do not use chill filtering and no colouring is added.

ImpEx has introduced the brand to the US market via distributors in CA, CO, FL, HI, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, NM, NJ, NY, RI, TN and TX.

About Elixir Distillers – www.elixirdistillers.com

Elixir Distillers is a creator, blender and bottler of fine spirits. The team, led by whiskymaker Oliver Chilton, seeks to combine aesthetically beautiful design with delicious, characterful spirits. The core brands of the business are Port Askaig, Elements of Islay, Single Malts of Scotland and Black Tot. Every member of the Elixir Distillers team is a spirits enthusiast with immense product knowledge, looking to produce the world’s next great drink. Quite simply, this passion is why the company’s brands have become so popular around the world.

About ImpEx Beverages – www.impexbev.com

Founded in 2008, ImpEx is an acclaimed US importer of fine spirits with a focus on independent Scotch whiskies. Their portfolio includes Port Askaig, Kilchoman, Tamdhu, Isle of Skye, Exclusive Malts and Chapter 7 which they distribute nationally.

CHIVAS REGAL UNVEILS FRESH NEW LOOK FOR CHIVAS 18

New global campaign reminds whisky drinkers that some things in life can’t be simplified

Chivas Regal, one of the world’s most iconic blended Scotch whiskies, has announced a new global campaign in celebration of the dedication, skill and time it takes to craft its award-winning Chivas 18.

Still expertly blended to the original recipe developed by Colin Scott, Custodian Master Blender at Chivas Regal, and one of the world’s most experienced Master Blenders, Chivas 18 is a distinctively rich and multi-layered blend, representing complexity at its very best. In an age that revolves around instant gratification, the new campaign encourages consumers to appreciate the more intricate things in life, which, like Chivas 18, take time and skill to create.

The campaign coincides with a new label and box design, featuring rich vibrant colours and luxurious textures, befitting of one of the world’s most loved blended Scotch whiskies. Refreshing the iconic Chivas 18 blue with a sophisticated new tone, used on both the pack and the label, will help it stand out on shelf and the back bar, while also better reflecting the brand’s ultra-premium credentials. Whisky fans need not worry though; the award-winning taste that consumers have come to know and love remains the same.

Richard Black, Global Marketing Director at Chivas Regal, commented: “Taking no less than 18 years in the making and with 85 flavour notes packed into every drop, Chivas 18 is the epitome of complexity. In celebration of this unrivalled spirit, our new campaign highlights its rich, multi-layered flavour whilst also honouring the expert blending process which leads to its creation. Through it, we want to remind consumers that some things in life can’t – and shouldn’t – be simplified.”

Notes: 

About Chivas Regal

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes: Chivas Regal 12, Chivas Regal Extra, Chivas Regal Mizunara, Chivas Regal 18, our first blended malt Chivas Regal Ultis, Chivas Regal 25, pinnacle of the range and ultra-prestige blend Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend. www.chivas.com

Ardbeg Friday at MusthaveMalts.com

One day before the official Ardbeg Day, we will be celebrating our own Ardbeg Friday at MusthaveMalts.com!

On Friday the 1st of June, not only Ardbeg Grooves will be available for purchase: ALL our peaty Ardbeg sweetness will sell at discount prices. Groovy! But please hold on to your Glencairn, because sale will only last one day… So, if you are a fan of seagull’s wingpits, granny’s medicine cabinet, sooty, sooty bonfires and licking the inside of oil drums, Friday the 1st of June will be your day!

The details of Ardbeg Friday

Our very own Ardbeg Friday will start 12.00PM CET (Amsterdam time). It will last until Saturday the 2nd of June at 12.00PM. ‘But what kind of Ardbeg do you have in stock?’, we can hear you ask. Good question! We have all kinds of collectible whisky from this fantastic distillery, like vintages, private bottlings, Feis Ile releases, discontinued Ardbeg and bottles that we could obtain only by selling our dear mother. Woa! Or, as a salty, peg legged sea captain from Islay would say: ‘Yarrr!’

Get notified

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About MusthaveMalts.com

Musthavemalts.com – MHM for friends – is a website that specializes in collectible whiskies, whiskeys and bourbon. Our aim is to create a personal and easy shopping experience for everyone who would normally spend a lot of time on their passion: expanding their awesome collection of even more awesome drams. See Musthavemalts.com for all our collectible whiskies. For more information on our Ardbeg Friday, please contact us on info@musthavemalts.com.

Plans for a new distillery at Craggan announced

Plans have been announced for a new distillery at Craggan, near Grantown-on-Spey. It would become the first new malt whisky distillery to be built in the Cairngorms National Park since its creation in 2003. The multi million pound investment by Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd is expected to become a major tourist attraction and significant local employer.

Speymalt is the parent company of Gordon & MacPhail, the family owned whisky specialist, wholesaler and retailer. The company also owns and operates Benromach Distillery in Forres.

As part of a strategic growth plan, Speymalt hopes to build the new distillery overlooking the Cairngorm mountains in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

As Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director, Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd explained: “Building a second distillery is an important part of our business plan and we have spent some time researching a suitable site. We believe we have found the perfect place for our new distillery at Craggan. It’s a stunning location with strong transport links and can accommodate the distillery, warehousing and a visitor experience.

“The Cairngorms are a beautiful part of the world and we aim to design a distillery which will be in keeping with this wonderful landscape.

“We continue to build our business using our expertise and skill in the industry. The purchase of Benromach Distillery and the growth of this brand internationally over the past twenty years has proved to be a huge success. Constructing a second distillery will enable us to continue creating a sustainable long term legacy for future generations.”

No decision has been made on a name for the distillery.

The company now hopes to start the consultation process with the local community before submitting a planning application later in the year. If planning is approved, building is expected to start in 2019 and should take 12 months to complete.

A public exhibition on the plans will take place over the summer.

Speymalt is a fourth-generation family owned business which has built its knowledge and experience of the Scotch whisky industry over a 120-year history. The Urquhart family realised a long held ambition when they acquired Benromach Distillery in 1993.  They reopened it after extensive refurbishment in 1998 and are celebrating the 20^th anniversary this year.  A member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail, Benromach Distillery attracts over 13,000 visitors to the area every year. Work recently started on creating a gin distillery and visitor experience at the Benromach site.

Notes 

Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd is the parent company of Gordon & MacPhail and owner of Benromach Distillery.. The company, whose headquarters are in Elgin, Moray, employs 150 people.

Benromach Distillery is based in the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, Moray. Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

REDBREAST DREAM CASK FLIES OUT OF THE BIRDHOUSE IN JUST SIX HOURS

Irish Distillers, makers of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has confirmed that the limited edition, 32 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, Redbreast Dream Cask, has sold out. Launched exclusively through The Redbreast Birdhouse, at 4.00pm on 19^th May – World Whisky Day – all 816 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask were sold by 10.30pm, at a rate of more than two bottles per minute.

Pictured: Apprentice Blender, Dave McCabe, and Master Blender, Billy Leighton, taste one of just 816 bottles of Redbreast Dream Cask to mark World Whisky Day 2018 over the weekend

Notes  

Redbreast Dream Cask tasting notes, by Master Blender Billy Leighton

Aroma: Combination of fruit, herbs and spices. Notes of orange peel and blackcurrant that move to deeper richer notes including dark chocolate and bitter almond with a heavy oak influence in the background

Taste: Mixed fruit tones within the typical style of Irish single pot still whiskey. Light touch of menthol to liquorice. Exotic fruits alongside spices, herbs and Spanish toasted oak

Finish: The balance of fruit, oak and barley is slow to fade 

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

Daftmill Scotch Whiskey – Local Whiskey Launched.

Last Friday 18th May 2018, saw the official launch of the inaugural Daftmill scotch whisky. This is a day many, many scotch whiskey fans have been waiting for, including us. With an invitation to attend this launch event at the distillery we sent a couple of the TWB Team along to enjoy. Not an arduous trip for us, as Daftmill Distillery is located 5 minutes from TWB HQ. For us, this is local scotch in the truest sense. Sun shining. Farm Distillery. Brand new whisky being launched. Perfect.

Daftmill 2005 Inaugural Whiskey

We’ve visited Daftmill Distillery before. It was during the quiet season in winter and since then we have been truly endeared to this small, craft, farm distillery. Small scale perhaps but with infinite passion. And, stunningly good scotch to boot. That was 2 years ago. Today sees the launch of the first ever Daftmill Distillery scotch whiskey – a 12 year old 2005 vintage bottled 2018 at 55.8%. Matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels this is the first taste of out and out Daftmill scotch. The bottle is simple and clean in its design. We like that – it does exactly what it needs to do. And it is very much a reflection of the ethos of this distillery. Clean and tidy but containing a hard working and established product.

A Farm Whiskey Launch – Very Fife

Nestled in a quiet spot of North East Fife, Daftmill Distillery is located within farmland. No over the top marketing here. This was about the scotch, the distillery and the people who have made it – Francis and Ian Cuthbert. The event was soaked in lovely Fife sunshine for a gathering of whiskey connoisseurs, press, retailers and even a famous face. All were here to celebrate the launch of a much awaited gem of a whiskey.

A tour of the utterly charming farm distillery was led by Francis looking very sharp in his kilt. (To find out more about the distillery’s workings, check out our earlier blog pieces). Then there was plenty time to mingle within the distillery buildings, warehouse and beautiful gardens hiding round the back. Canapes and bubbly. A bit of refined luxury among Fife’s rolling hills and farmland.  This is the perfect balance of a small farm distillery working with the established and world renowned Berry Bros and Rudd, setting the tone just right.

Tasting Notes: Daftmill 2005 Inaugural Release

Now, we tasted some casks a couple of years ago, sherry and bourbon, and we thought they we re fantastic. So we had high hopes for this bottled release. And, it lives up to expectations. Three bourbon barrels have been brought together presenting a lovely, and highly appropriate, straw color. We were delighted to have a sample to return to TWB HQ for a proper nosing and taste.

The nose is grounded, quite literally, by a lovely base of oats and barley but lifted by a mellow honey and a wee hit of lemon zest. A cordial of fresh wild herbs and fruit. Take a walk on a rural Fife country path and you pick up some of this.

Onto the palate and the fruitiness picks up. More lemons and hints of elderflower. More fresh herbs but it remains well-grounded by the malt and cereal notes.  This is certainly a lowland scotch with an elegance, but it has a definite robustness to match.

It concludes on the long finish with a pleasant bitter element and a touch oily.  The fruits dissipate a little as it comes back round to the slightly bitter cereal and malty notes. It seems like this could easily have been a (wrongly) stereotypical light and floral lowland malt. But Daftmill have done very well to bring in some depth with a harder edge. This Inaugural Daftmill 2005 is a vatting of 3 casks, so it should not to be taken as definitive Daftmill character. But it gives a firm nod to the style being produced.

Also, we tasted some Daftmill sherry casks too. Pretty epically good too! Watch this space…..

Daftmill Distillery Scotch – Available to Buy Soon

Some whiskies ‘sing’ about their environment where they have been produced. This Daftmill 2005 Innagural release is just that. From the straw color to the notes of barley, malt and fruits that can be seen growing around us in Fife. There is no doubt the best place to drink Daftmill is in-situ, at the distillery. But for those lucky enough, it gives you a chance to taste a highly agreeable, new lowland scotch whiskey.

The purpose of this launch at Daftmill Distillery was to simply announce this whiskey on the scotch map. Along with a ballot for 250 bottles being run by Berry Bros & Rudd, a further 250 have been released to retailers. However, as you are reading this, with just 629 bottles you are unlikely to get your hands on a bottle. (lucky you if you did!) But the ‘core’ range will start to appear seasonally thereafter with the first release due, hopefully, late June. There is a much bigger outrun anticipated, so you should have a better chance.  Also, they plan to release four single cask Daftmill whiskies annually.

Fife Scotch Here to Stay

So, this was unlike most new distillery launches. Here we have tangible aged whiskey ready to enjoy now and a ‘core’ range of well-aged whiskey following soon after. The Daftmill character established. Daftmill scotch whiskey to run among its single malt contemporaries. We are thrilled to see our most local Distillery now fully revealed to the world and no doubt you whisky fans are too.

And a huge thank you to Daftmill and Berry Bros for inviting us and sharing this milestone with us. The future, or indeed the present,  is very bright for Fife and Daftmill scotch whiskey.