Whisky 101 event taking place at The Gallery in West Hampstead for American Independence Day

In America, the annual celebration of independence on 4th July means fireworks, barbecues and many patriotic displays. To commemorate this, The Gallery in West Hampstead will be throwing their own transatlantic festivities in a Whisky 101 event on Thursday 5th July. Guests will be invited to gorge on a banquet of Southern American style food, beer and bourbon to celebrate the traditions of the United States.

On offer will be a delicious Southern American style feast, including pulled pork sliders and crispy fried chicken. This can be washed down with a range of whiskies provided by classic Kentucky distiller, Heaven Hill or paired with refreshing beers from London-based brewers FourPure.The ambassadors for Heaven Hill and FourPure will also be on hand to chat share their immense knowledge of the processes of bourbon and beer making. American rock n roll, funk and soul DJs will provide the soundtrack to the evening and keep the Americana party spirit going.

Tickets cost £15 and includes the food and one cocktail and beer. Please email info@ilovethegallery.com.

MASTER BLENDER AND MASTER PERFUMER UNITE TO CREATE CROWNING EXPRESSION, INSPIRED BY ROYALTY

The ‘King of Whisky’ launches latest in annual Flask Collection: 

Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition 

The ‘King of Whisky’, Royal Salute, has unveiled the exceptional new Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition, the latest in its annual Flask Collection. The rich, round and silky blend is the result of an exciting, first-time collaboration between Royal Salute’s Director of Blending, Sandy Hyslop, and esteemed perfumer Barnabé Fillion, and is inspired by the magnificent Kew Palace and its iconic Kitchen Garden.

Combining Hyslop’s unparalleled knowledge of Scotch whisky with Fillion’s inimitable artistic acumen, the 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition balances Royal Salute’s signature style with super rich fruits, scented flora like violet and aromatic leaves from the Kitchen Garden, resulting in the ultimate sensory experience that pushes the boundaries of modern blending.

The collaboration saw Hyslop lay the foundations of the new blend before uniting with Fillion to create a bespoke whisky top dressing that embodied the iconic Kitchen Garden of Kew Palace. The two worked together, nosing countless whiskies in Hyslop’s blending room in Scotland, to capture their interpretation of the lush flora of the Kitchen Garden, while staying true to Royal Salute’s signature style.

It follows the launch of the Royal Salute 30 Year Old Flask Edition last year, and this next iteration in the collector’s series again offers a disruptive take on traditional British drinking traditions. The perfect companion for whisky aficionados on the move, the set includes a bespoke green porcelain flagon and exquisite flask, alongside a pouring funnel and wooden serving tray.

The new expression pays homage to London’s iconic Kew Palace, one of Historic Royal Palace’s most charming royal buildings, as part of Royal Salute’s longstanding support of the charity charged with conserving some of Britain’s royal palaces for future generations. The Palace and its famed Kitchen Garden are showcased on the stunning packaging through artwork from esteemed British illustrator, Jason Brooks.

Royal Salute Marketing Director, Mathieu Deslandes said: “We are thrilled to unveil this exceptional 28 Year Old whisky, made even more special by the coming together of two industry experts. Sandy Hyslop is the absolute pinnacle when it comes to blending so to be able to further enhance his latest creation with some magic from long-time friend of the brand and famed perfumer, Barnabe Fillion, is really special – and the result, the whisky, speaks for itself.

“We’re proud to continue supporting our charity partner, Historic Royal Palaces, with a limited edition inspired by Kew Palace. The charity does amazing work preserving and protecting historic royal buildings to keep their story alive for generations to come, and as a brand steeped in royal heritage, Royal Salute is thrilled to play its part honouring a true British icon in this unique and special way.”

For the first time in Royal Salute’s history, whisky aficionados will have the opportunity to enjoy a first look at the new whisky and its exquisite flask during an intimate event at Kew Palace in June. Hosted by Sandy Hyslop and Barnabé Fillion, it will provide a unique glimpse inside the world of Royal Salute, bring to life the inspiration behind the new Kew Palace Edition and offer an opportunity for aficionados to enjoy the company of those who share their passion.

Befitting its status as a true collector’s item, the Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition will be available from June 2018 for a limited time at select luxury whisky retailers around the world, for RRP of $790.  For more information, visit http://www.royalsalute.com.

Notes 

Royal Salute 28 Year Old Kew Palace Edition Tasting Notes:
A rich, round and silky blend, inspired by Kew Palace and its magnificent kitchen garden. For the very first time, this exceptional whisky has been developed by Royal Salute’s Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop in collaboration with olfactory expert, Barnabe Fillion. The result is an exquisite whisky that balances Royal Salute’s classic style with scented flora, aromatic leaves and super rich fruits for a fantastic sensory experience.

Nose:

Intensely fruity with rich notes of ripe pear and a hint of aromatic autumnal leaves alongside delicate floral notes of violet.

Taste:

Rich, round and perfectly balanced with sweet natural honey flavours and scented flora.

Finish:

Deliciously long, smooth and sweet finish with a wisp of smoke. 

About Royal Salute

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

www.royalsalute.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

CHIVAS BRINGS TOGETHER WORLD’S TOP BARTENDING COMMUNITY FOR

THE CHIVAS MASTERS GLOBAL FINAL IN LONDON

21 NATIONAL WINNERS UNVEILED 

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has revealed the 21 national winners heading to the United Kingdom to compete to be crowned Chivas Masters Global Champion 2018.

For the first time, the Chivas Masters Global Final (taking place from 24^th-28^th June) will return to Chivas’ roots with the five-day finale starting at the Strathisla distillery in Speyside, the home of Chivas, before culminating in London, one of the most exciting and diverse cocktail capitals in the world.

The Chivas Masters is a global competition that champions bartenders who share Chivas’ core values of community, collaboration and generosity. It is built around the belief that generosity and success go hand in hand – a belief originally held by founding brothers John and James Chivas who were determined to share their success with the local community. Community is the theme at the very heart of this year’s competition, and the 21 finalists have already excelled in the national heats by producing some outstanding Chivas serves inspired by their local community.

With more bartenders competing in the global final than ever before, the contestants are facing the fiercest challenge yet, and will need to show both exemplary bartending skills and team spirit to impress the judges. Throughout the week, they will take part in a series of masterclasses and intense individual and team challenges designed to test their skills, creativity and teamwork.

They will then be shortlisted to three grand finalists who, in an exciting new twist, must win over the hearts and minds of consumers as well as the judges. As part of the final challenge, the bartenders will be tasked with establishing their own bespoke pop-up cocktail bar and menu, where they will be looking to excite the senses of their most important judge – the everyday public – with their local community-inspired signature cocktail.

The 21 finalists will be mentored over the course of the week by a distinguished panel of internationally-acclaimed judges, who hope to inspire the contestants with their own unique skill-set and experience. The panel comprises:

• Matt Whiley – ground-breaking London bartender behind an impressive list of award-winning bars, including Purl, Worship Street Whistling Shop, Dach & Sons, Talented Mr Fox, Peg + Patriot, and Scout.
• Laura-May Coope – social media superstar and co-founder of Social Life – the premium social media agency for entertainment brands.
• JJ Goodman – globally recognised personality and thought-leader in the world of mixed drinks. Goodman is also the Founder of The London Cocktail Club bar group, Craft Cocktail Co. bottled cocktails, and Keystones Cocktail Club.
• Bea Bradsells – storyteller and daughter of Dick Bradsell – the Soho cocktail expert who created the Espresso Martini and the Bramble.

Richard Black, Global Marketing Director at Chivas Regal, comments: “Our 21 national winners have already amazed us with their tenacity and teamwork, but this year’s competition is fiercer than ever before. We have 21 of the world’s best bartenders coming together and we want them to show us that success really does taste better shared – by creating their own pop-up cocktail bar with their peers and fellow competitors. The finalists will not only need to impress our esteemed judges, they face the ultimate critic in the form of our consumers, with their high expectations, pushing the competition to a whole new level.”

The 2018 Chivas Masters Global Champion will be decided at the Oval Space, London, on the evening of Thursday 28^th June, and will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Tales of the Cocktail 2018 in New Orleans, and the chance to travel the world with Chivas to inspire the bartenders of the future.

Follow the Finalists

Follow the finalists’ journey in the United Kingdom and tune in live throughout the Global Final from Sunday 24^th June through our Instagram Stories: @chivasregal / www.instagram.com/chivasregal. 

Meet the 2018 Chivas Masters Global Finalists

• Argentina –Martin Suaya from JW Bradley
• Australia – Louis Marcpherson from Baxter Inn
• Brazil – Alex Sepulchro from Frank Bar
• Bulgaria – German Gochev from The Martini: Food & Cocktails
• China – Michael Chen from The Cannery
• Cuba – Fabián Ramos from Restaurante Divino
• Czech Republic – Filip Jančárek from the Bankers Bar
• Dominican Republic – Julio Ruiz from Salitre Restaurante
• France – Louis Lebaillif from Little Red Door
• Hong Kong – Yuta Inagaki from Butler
• Japan – Kentaro Wada from The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, The Bar
• Mexico – Oscar Jesus Armenta  Garcia from Puebla
• Morocco – Houssam Bennani from The Hilton
• Peru – Angel Solorzano Chumpitaz from Felix Brasserie
• Poland – Bartosz Konieczny from Ceviche Bar
• Switzerland – Chloé Merz from Angels’ Share
• Thailand – Arron Grendon from Tropic City
• The Netherlands – Rick Marson from The Duchess
• The United Arab Emirates – Stefano Ruocco from Flamingo Room by Tashas
• United Kingdom – Alex Godfrey from The Milk Thisle
• USA – Valentino Longo from Le Sirenuse Four Seasons 

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, the pinnacle of the range and ultra-prestige blend Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend.

www.chivas.com  

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin and Malibu, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

21-BOTTLE SALUTE AS WHISKY LEGEND HANDPICKS MALTS FOR THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY’S 35th ANNIVERSARY 

Charlie MacLean chooses special selection of whiskies as part of milestone year for whisky club 

Whisky legend Charlie MacLean has personally selected a batch of 21 new single cask bottlings for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations.

The whiskies, which range in age from 8 to 29 years old and feature tasting notes written by MacLean, will go on sale exclusively to the Society’s members around the world from July. As with all Society bottlings, each one is a limited edition having been bottled from single casks of whisky.

Eight of the bottles will be available to members in the UK, including a 16-year-old from the Old & Dignified flavour category called ‘Red carpet welcome’, which is described as “full-bodied and oily; sweeter and more complex than expected, with dark toffee, pecan nuts and a trace of sea salt in the long, spicy finish”.

Special offers for non-members

While the whiskies are only available to SMWS members, the Society is launching two special membership offers for whisky fans keen to buy any of MacLean’s handpicked selections.

Non-members can buy tickets, which include a membership to the Society, to special whisky tastings in Edinburgh and London hosted by MacLean for only £125 here: https://goo.gl/Mu8n9G

The Edinburgh event on Tuesday 3 July features a tasting, food and screening of ‘The Angels’ Share’, the Ken Loach whisky film in which MacLean made a cameo appearance, at the Dominion Cinema.

The London event on Wednesday 4 July includes a tasting in the atmospheric crypt of St Etheldreda’s Church in Ely Place in London.

From Thursday 21 July non-members will also be able to buy a bottle of ‘All sweetness and light wood’, an 11-year-old from the Juicy, Oak & Vanilla profile, plus membership, for £99.

Longtime Society supporter

MacLean has been a longtime supporter of the Society; he joined the whisky club at its outset in the early 1980s, and became a chair of its renowned Tasting Panel in 1992. In 2016, he curated a selection of 30 rare discontinued whiskies from auction and his own collection for the Society’s Kaleidoscope bar in Edinburgh.

The process of nosing, sampling and selecting his favourite whiskies with The Tasting Panel took place over the course of a day at The Vaults, the Society’s private members’ rooms in Leith.

MacLean said: “It was a most enjoyable day and a fitting way to help the Society celebrate its remarkable 35th anniversary.

“In keeping with the way the Society has always sought to unearth whisky casks that are hidden gems, I was looking for samples of distinction. We came across many samples that were okay, but not yet ready for bottling. We were hunting for whiskies that were unusually good examples of the distillery character.”

Euan Campbell, the Society’s Spirits Manager, who worked with MacLean on the selection process, added: “It was a pleasure and honour to work with Charlie on his cask selections and to assess the whiskies alongside someone with his depth of knowledge.

“Ever since the Society was set up in 1983, we’ve always looked to do things differently and seek out the most amazing whiskies for our members. Having a whisky legend like Charlie choose these whiskies is a perfect example of what makes being a member of the Society such a special experience.”

For full details of the whiskies selected by Charlie MacLean, the tasting events and the special offers to non-members, visit https://goo.gl/Mu8n9G

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 135 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and Shop 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 smws.com/society-membership
• For more information about the Society, visit smws.com

GLENCAIRN DRIVES GROWTH IN GLOBAL CRYSTAL MARKET 

The industry’s most acclaimed crystal and glassware producer, Glencairn, reveals exponential growth. 

Glasgow-based crystal company – Glencairn – has broken new ground with unprecedented growth globally year on year.

The award-winning family owned business has revealed, in its end of year figures, that it has broken through the £10 million revenue barrier for the first time with a 20% year on year increase and their largest percentage annual increase in revenue since the business was founded in 1981.

2017 was the first year that the East Kilbride located business saw its export sales overtake its domestic market – now sitting at 60% of the overall sales, versus 49% in 2016. The extraordinary growth overseas is thanks to a sizeable increase in the luxury decanter and glassware part of the business (40% year on year) as well as increased interest in the world-renowned Glencairn Glass (29% year on year).

The USA – the company’s largest growing market globally – now contributes to nearly a third of the overall export business with sales doubling in value growth over the previous 12 months. A large contributor to this increase is sales and development through leading online retailers, in addition to Glencairn being ever more present in the growing US craft spirits scene.

The core elements of the business’s growth stem from both the company’s luxury decanter and glassware business, which has grown 40% year on year and the Glencairn Glass – which has seen growth of 29% year on year. Clients include leading companies within the spirits market through to independent bottlers and craft distilleries around the world.

Scott Davidson, New Product Development Director said: “We are incredibly proud of our business growth over the past year, especially with our increasing focus on export markets.

Our premium decanter and bottle business places us a world leader in this market. Coupled with our strong relationships with distilleries and businesses in the USA, Europe and  the Far East has meant that we have exceeded all of our business expectations.”

“In addition, consumers, globally, are looking to enhance their spirit drinking moments, to savour and learn as they enjoy their whisky and, as part of the serve experience, they are seeking quality glassware that is proven to enhance their favourite dram. Growth in demand for our Glencairn Glass is testimony to that.”

Alongside revenue growth, the business has increased its staffing levels to 60 full time members of the team at their workshop in East Kilbride.

Paul Davidson, Managing Director commented: “Our customers, suppliers and of course, our staff are valued equally by the business and we’d like to thank our customers and suppliers for their support in this tremendous year. Our staff have been fantastic. We pride ourselves on hiring the right people for the right jobs and on bringing on new, young recruits that can learn the business and the way our team works together is something we are extremely proud of.”

Notes: 

Glencairn’s clients include leading drinks companies, brands and other outlets, including: BP, Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, Muller, Google, Scottish Parliament and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international whisky and spirit producers.

Created in 2001, the Glencairn Glass has seen an average year on year global sales increase. Often referred to as the official tasting glass, the company makes over 3 million per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 70 countries worldwide.

Glencairn has previously won The Queen’s Awards as follows:

• The Queens Award for Enterprise 2017 and 2012
• The Queens Award for Innovation 2006 (with the Glencairn Whisky Glass)

TOKYO — 11 June 2018 – The world’s foremost online retailer of rare Japanese whisky, dekantā, have revealed the Eigashima 2011 Kikou – Ki Series as the company’s first private label bottling of Japanese whisky, to mark their third anniversary.

This first private label, single cask whisky from dekantā, home to the world’s largest online inventory of Japanese whisky, spotlights a little known Japanese whisky producer, while paying homage to the origins of Japanese whisky making in Scotland. The Eigashima 2011 Kikou – Ki Series (US$650; 58.4% ABV) was finished in a cask freshly emptied of Scotch Whisky from the currently ‘silent’ Port Ellen distillery. This is a highly limited release; only 300 bottles will be available. dekantā delivered the highly anticipated release as part of an exclusive event at Mayfair restaurant and bar Sexy Fish, which boasts Europe’s largest on-trade collection of Japanese whisky.

The Eigashima 2011 Kikou will be the first in the Ki Series of independently bottled Japanese whiskies from dekantā, so called because each whisky in the series will explore an aspect of life imbued with the Japanese concept of Ki – one of the most meaningful words in the Japanese language. The Kikou bottling is named after the Japanese word for ‘climate’, celebrating one of the most vital parts of Japanese whisky making. Drawing on the Ukiyo-e style of Japanese art, the label depicts a chrysanthemum, a flower local to Akashi City park which hosts the Eigashima distillery, and which also relies on the local climate to thrive.

“We have come a long way in three years and are delighted to present such a unique independent bottling of Japanese whisky to the dekantā family worldwide,” said dekantā director Makiyo Masa. “Closed in 1983, Port Ellen is now an eminent name in Scotch whisky, the Karuizawa of the Scotch whisky world. Our first private cask bottling marries the characteristics of two internationally renowned distillers.” Tasting notes indicate the Scottish seaside influence of the Port Ellen cask: A floral burst on the nose is followed by coastal notes, seaweed, beach bonfire, lemon sherbet and citrus; Lemon sherbet on the palate turns ashy, with a touch of earthiness, embers, flame roasted coffee beans, and the finish delivers burnt toffee, dry, sweet peat and dry roasted peanuts.

Eigashima 2011 (Kikou – Ki Series) will be available for worldwide delivery from dekanta.com starting on June 15th.

Notes:

About dekantā

dekantā offers customers access to the world’s largest online selection of authentic Japanese Spirits and has delivered to 127 countries across every continent in the world. A family owned and run business, dekantā’s founders have been selling collectibles since 1985 and specialize in rare, collectible, and new release single malt Japanese whisky. dekantā offers worldwide delivery on an extensive range of Japanese single malt whisky, Japanese grain whisky and Japanese blended whisky, in addition to Scotch whisky released for the Japanese market only.

About Eigashima Distillery

Fewer than 100 yards from the Harima-nada sea, Eigashima Shuzo is the closest whisky distillery to the coast in Japan, and this is reflected in the savoury, saline pure character of the distillery’s produce. A family owned distillery that has been producing traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages for over three centuries, Eigashima Shuzo was the first Japanese whisky to be granted a license to produce whisky in 1919. Eigashima is still Japan’s smallest whisky producer, with a team of just five people and very limited production.
dekanta.com

Follow dekantā on Twitter: @dekantawhisky 

Like dekantā on Facebook: facebook.com/dekantawhisky/

dekantā Press Room: https://dekanta.com/press/

Dekanta

2-49-7 Minamiikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo,

COTSWOLDS DISTILLERY SMASHES CROWDFUNDING TARGET TO EXPAND BUSINESS

Award-winning Cotswolds Distillery has successfully raised £3 million of equity through the crowdfunding platform Crowdcube and private investors. After exceeding the initial target of £2 million in just a week, the funding period was extended due to overwhelming interest, resulting in one of Crowdcube’s biggest equity raises of 2018.

The funds raised will be invested in building the Cotswolds Distillery business and brand, from advertising and marketing to expanding and deepening sales and distribution networks. The hiring of a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) will also be integral to the growth and development of the brand.

Cotswolds Distillery recently announced plans for a new visitor centre at its Stourton site, housing tasting rooms, an expanded shop, exhibition space and café. This equity raise will allow for an improved and enhanced customer experience for the 30,000 visitors who travel to the distillery annually to participate in the Visit Britain award-winning tour, cementing its position as one of the top visitor attractions in the Cotswolds.

Dan Szor, Founder and CEO of the Cotswolds Distillery said, “We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of our new investors and the belief they’ve shown in the distillery. The total raised will transform the business, but we’re equally delighted to have gained over a thousand new shareholders – their support will carry us through the next chapter in the company’s journey and we couldn’t be more excited for it.”

In 2015, Cotswolds Distillery raised £1.5m of equity through CodeInvest. With this latest round of crowdfunding with Crowdcube, Cotswolds Distillery welcomes over 1,200 new investors to the business, raising the distillery’s profile even further around the globe.

For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

Notes to Editors

The Cotswolds Distillery:

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and now receives 30,000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. It has been aged in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and specially shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine barriques. It is bottled non-chill filtered, with no added colour and at 46% ABV. RRP £44.95. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 12 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange and Laithwaites.

The distillery also produces the Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the 2016 World Gin Awards and received the top Gold Outstanding award in the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.

Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 23 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

For more information, visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

ISLE OF RAASAY DISTILLERY VISITORS CENTRE AWARDED FIVE STARS BY VISITSCOTLAND’S QUALITY ASSURANCE SCHEME

Isle of Raasay Distillery is delighted to announce that its Visitors Centre has been awarded VisitScotland’s highest ‘Five Star Visitor Attraction’ accreditation, joining the ranks of some of the most unforgettable locations in the country.

Raasay Distillery is pioneering a new provenance for Scotch Whisky and, since opening the visitors centre in January 2018, it has become a popular tourist destination for whisky pilgrims. Visitors to the Raasay Distillery can now experience first-hand the exciting journey from converting a disused Victorian building to handcrafting the first Isle of Raasay single malt.

Raasay Distillery is independently owned by co-founders Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie. The pair worked with local architect Olli Blair (ABIR Architects) and Allen Associates to incorporate Borodale House, a disused Victorian villa, within the design for a modern distillery, visitors centre and accommodation.

Alasdair Day comments: “We were delighted to receive a five-star rating from VisitScotland for our visitor centre. It reflects all the great work by our talented team, who have managed to set a high standard in such a short amount of time.”

Distillery tours cater for all levels of whisky knowledge, from the curious to the connoisseur, and offer an insight into the innovative whisky making process. Raasay Distillery’s tour guides are local islanders who share their unrivalled knowledge of Raasay’s geography and community. The distillery offers eight tours per day, seven days a week, throughout the year. Raasay Distillery predicts that this modern Visitors Centre will bring a significant number of new visitors to the island.

Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, adds: “It is commendable that the Isle of Raasay Distillery Visitor Centre has achieved 5 Stars so soon after opening in January 2018. Delivering a quality experience that not only meets but exceeds visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.

“I am delighted that Raasay’s first legal distillery and visitor centre has proved such a success and has been so well-supported by the island community. Just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal, it is in an ideal location to attract visitors through its doors. “Quality Assurance means stars on the door and a great deal more.

It is about the entire visitor experience and driving improvement in that experience throughout the country.”

Raasay Distillery is also the only distillery in Scotland to provide luxury accommodation within the same building. Three of the bedrooms offer views of the Cuillin mountains on Skye, while the other rooms overlook the production yard and are designed for the ultimate whisky lover. Raasay Distillery is also planning a calendar of events throughout the year, including Raasay Tunes which celebrates local musicians, and is an integral part of the annual ‘Whisky, Fire and Song’ community festival. The distillery is an ideal destination for whisky tourists and those looking for an unusual off-the-beaten track holiday.

NOTES

RAASAY DISTILLERY: Raasay Distillery began producing whisky in September 2017. It is owned by independent Scottish whisky company R&B Distillers. Co-founder Alasdair Day embodies this coupling: his great-grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides, while his other great grandfather, Richard Day, was a master-blender in the Scottish Borders during the early 19th Century.

The former, on Raasay, is now a reality. In February 2016, the Highland Council granted permission for the construction of a distillery on Raasay. Subsequent grants were secured from the Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme, as well as the Highlands and Islands Enterprise for the development of a visitor centre, which is projected to bring 12,000 visitors to Raasay in its first year.

Raasay Single Malt will be ready to drink from 2020 and will encapsulate the rugged elegance of the island terroir. The high mineral content of the island’s water, which filters through the volcanic rock of Dun Caan, will be integral to the flavour of the whisky. A long fermentation time helps to retain the minerality, resulting in a fruity whisky that will become a characteristic of Raasay single malt.

The team hold the long-term ambition of using all-local ingredients – water, peat and barley – to create a spirit that is a true reflection of this uncommon provenance. In June 2017, Raasay Distillery commenced a barley trial with farmers and crofters to assess the possibility of growing barley locally and concluded that Bere and IsKria (ancient and Icelandic varieties respectively) can be grown the island. Raasay Distillery intend to create a special release of 100% Raasay single malt.

Isle of Raasay Distillery is will produce Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

• Capacity: 94,000 LPA
• Fermentation Time: 96-110 hours
• Spirit Still: 3,600 L
• Wash Still: 5,000 L
• Washback Size: 5,000 L
• Maturation: All maturation on site

Produced using local water supply at every stage of distillation and reduction

VISIT SCOTLAND

Developed over the last four decades in partnership with the tourism industry and informed by visitor research, VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance schemes are world-leading. QA stars alongside online reviews give visitors a balance of objective and subjective views to assist in their decision making and expectations.

For more information on Quality Assurance, visit www.visitscotland.org

Raasay Distillery, Borodale House, Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB
raasaydistillery.com
T: 01478 470178
Opening times: 10am – 5pm
Instagram/ Facebook: @raasaydistillery, Twittter: @RaasayWhisky

BUNNAHABHAIN WINS THREE DOUBLE GOLDS AT SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 

Specialty Scotch single malt producer, Bunnahabhain has won three double gold medals at the prestigious 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the United States.

The double golds were awarded to the Islay distillery’s 12- and 25-year-old single malts, as well as to the newest single malt whisky in the collection called Stiùireadair (not available in South Africa).

Known for its un-chillfiltered single malts that offer a richness of colour, aroma and flavour, the distillery is one of the only Islay producers to make use of a natural spring water source and unpeated barley in the production of most of its single malts, imparting a very gentle profile to the range.

Bunnahabhain, founded in 1881, is pronounced Bŭ-na-ha-venn and means ‘mouth of the river’ in Scots Gaelic, referring to the Margadale River that flows close by. The range is made by Dr Kirstie McCallum who heads the Bunnahabhain team of skilled whisky blenders.

Loved by new whisky lovers and seasoned aficionados alike, the collection available in South Africa, including 12-, 18-, and 25-year old, is exclusive to fine whisky outlets including Whisky Brother in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, Wild About Whisky in Dullstroom, as well as Makro and Norman Goodfellows outlets nationwide, and from www.vinoteque.co.za.

The price of Bunnahabhain ranges from R750 to R1 500 to R5 000 for its 12-, 18- and 25-year-old whiskies respectively.

Bunnahabhain 12- and 18-year-old single malts will be offered for tasting at the upcoming Whisky Live Celebrations tasting event at the Sibaya Casino in Durban from 21 to 23 June.  Tickets are available at www.ticketpros.co.za.  Go to www.whiskylive.co.za for more information, or send an e-mail to info@whiskylive.co.za

For more information on Bunnahabhain, visit the website: http://www.bunnahabhain.com.

John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon named “Chairman’s Trophy Finalist”

at 2018 ultimate spirits challenge 

Five A. Smith Bowman spirits take home honors

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (May 23, 2018) – Judges awarded five spirits from A. Smith Bowman Distillery high honors at the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and named one a Chairman’s Trophy Finalist for the second year in a row.  New to the 2018 Challenge were three Tinkerman’s Gin expressions, crafted by Master Distiller Brian Prewitt and released in limited markets earlier this year, which scored well in their USC debut.

For the second year in a row, John J. Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named a “Chairman’s Trophy Finalist,” and was awarded “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.” John J. Bowman was also deemed to be a “Great Value.”

Also for the second year in a row, Bowman Brothers Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended.”

Tinkerman’s Gin “Sweet Spice” and “Citrus Supreme” were awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended” and “Curiously Bright & Complex” was judged to be “Very Good, Strong Recommendation.”

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 A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.