Secrets of a Highland heirloom inspire Glenmorangie Cadboll

STUDENTS AWARDED £4,500 AS PART OF CHIVAS BROTHERS BURSARY

Four students are set to take their talents to the next level after being awarded a total of £4,500 in funding as part of Chivas Brothers’ national bursary scheme. Held in partnership with the Scottish International Educational Trust (SIET), the sought-after scheme offers financial support to ambitious employees and their family members, helping them to realise their aspirations through further education or vocational training.

Announced today, this year’s successful recipients are Claire Park, who is studying Applied Science at Moray College; Lauren Evans, a Forensic and Analytical Chemistry student from West Dunbartonshire; Paul McFadden, an aspiring programmer from Glasgow; and Eilidh Ross, a Human Rights and International Politics student at the University of Glasgow.

26-year-old Elgin resident Claire Park first heard about the bursary opportunity from her step-father Fenton Perrie, who works as a Project Engineer at Chivas Brothers. Awarded a total of £1,000, this bursary will help her to fund a higher mathematics course and allow her to purchase study materials for her HNC in Applied Sciences.

Claire said: “I worked as a healthcare assistant from the age of 15 and then last year I decided to go to college to help boost my skills and grow my career prospects. I’m absolutely over the moon to have been selected for this year’s bursary as it means I will now be able to focus on my studies and not worry about any extra costs. Ultimately, I want to move on to study for a degree in Applied Sciences or Pharmacy, and I’m really thankful to Chivas Brothers for helping me to take the next step on my education journey.”

Lauren Evans from Alexandria is currently studying a Forensic and Analytical Chemistry degree at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. She was encouraged to apply for the bursary by her father Raymond, who works as a Team Leader at Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid site. She said: “I can’t believe that I’ve been accepted. The £1,000 will go a long way in helping to alleviate some of the travel costs I face commuting from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire to my university in Glasgow. My ultimate career goal is to work for the Forensic Department of Police Scotland, and now I’m determined to make this dream a reality.”

Meanwhile, Paul McFadden, from Glasgow, has been awarded £1,000 to put towards his HNC Games Development Course at West College Scotland in Paisley. With aspirations to become a programmer in the gaming industry, the funding will help him to purchase the latest coding and software development programmes. He said: “I feel very privileged to have been selected as one of this year’s bursary recipients. It has already given me a huge confidence boost and I’ll be able to buy everything I need to develop a career in the games industry. I can’t thank Chivas Brothers enough for supporting me.”

Finally, Eilidh Ross, whose father Bryan works as a Distillery Operations Technician at Chivas Brothers’ Scapa Distillery in Kirkwall, has been awarded £1,500. She is currently working to complete her Masters degree in Human Rights and International Politics at the University of Glasgow, and will use the funding to support with the cost of travel from her home on Orkney. She said: “This bursary will have a massive impact on my studies and also on my career. With the support of Chivas Brothers, I will now be able to attend an important study trip to the United Nations in Geneva. This is something I never thought would be possible, and it will be an important factor in helping me to pursue a career within politics or the humanitarian sector.”

Chivas Brothers’ national bursary scheme launched to great acclaim last year, and has already contributed towards the studies of an aeronautical engineer, a budding actress and a Classics student at Cambridge University. The scheme is open to all 1,600 of Chivas Brothers’ employees and direct family members, providing them with the opportunity to secure funding of up to £5,000 a year. The scheme will run for three years, this being its second.

Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers, added: “We’re really proud to be able to support our employees and their family members to realise their ambitions. Our 2017 bursary recipients have so much talent and each of them has a real passion and determination to achieve their dreams. This entrepreneurial mind-set is something we really champion at Chivas Brothers, so it’s fantastic to be able to relieve some of the financial pressures that come with studying full time. We can’t wait to see how the funding helps them over the next year.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, a body which provides talented individuals with grants to complete further education studies, added: “This bursary is such a worthwhile initiative and we’re delighted to be able to support a second cohort of students on their education journey. The scheme shows Chivas Brothers’ dedication to championing the success of its employees and their family members.”

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is a global drinks producer and exports company steeped in Scottish heritage. It is the only Pernod Ricard business dedicated entirely to Scotch whisky and comprises a prestigious range of single malt and blended whiskies. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet. With a multitude of awards and accolades for its quality, craftsmanship, industry-leading sites and award-winning campaigns, its brands are at the heart of moments of connection across the globe.

The company comprises 1,600 employees, 14 Scotch distilleries, two bottling facilities and over 300 warehouses across its 26 sites including Orkney, Scotland and London.

www.chivasspirit.com

For further information, please contact Chivas Brothers’ press office team: chivasbrothers@text100.com or 02079086594 About the Scottish International Education Trust The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie are Patrons of the Trusts and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate or equivalent level.

www.scotinted.org.uk

Johnnie Walker celebrates the Chinese New Year with limited edition Year of the Dog Blue Label bottle

Ringing in the festive gifting season, Johnnie Walker celebrates the traditions of Asian culture by introducing the fifth installment from the annual limited edition series for Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

Feature 22 DEC 2017

This year’s Chinese New Year design is inspired by the precious bond between man and dog, created in collaboration with multi-award winning Taiwanese artist, Page Tsou.

In 2018 the Chinese New Year Design will follow the Striding Man around the world as he celebrates with lanterns, fireworks and dancing dragons. Man’s best friend will be woven throughout the design in honour of the Year of the Dog.

Page Tsou, award winning artist said “It is an honour to have been commissioned to create the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Dog bottle. The precious design consists of a total of four dogs all chosen for their special meaning in Asia.

“This unique design tells the story of Johnnie Walker’s Striding Man and a loyal companion as they journey around the world bringing prosperity and rejoicing in the arrival of the New Year. The design also contains various symbols of wealth and prosperity making this bottle extremely unique and the perfect gift to give this Chinese New Year.”

“During this festive period it’s wonderful to be able to provide whisky consumers with a gift that is luxurious and unique from such an iconic whisky brand. The exquisite design of the Chinese New Year bottle will help to engage new consumers and reward existing ones with a limited edition collectable from Johnnie Walker Blue Label to mark this special time of year”

Dayalan Nayager

Managing Director, Global Travel at Diageo

Diageo in 1999 – Johnnie Walker launch ‘Keep Walking’ campaign

On 17 December 2017, Diageo turned 20 years old. To celebrate this milestone Diageo is looking back over 20 years of its history and highlighting memorable moments since it was formed back in December 1997. 1999 marked the launch of the iconic Johnnie Walker ‘Keep Walking’ campaign that transformed the brand as it was rolled out globally.

In 1999 Johnnie Walker launched ‘Keep Walking’ – the brand’s first ever global advertising campaign. This new global positioning transformed Johnnie Walker into a global leader and saw the brand grow from strength to strength. The pioneering campaign saw Johnnie Walker’s famous Striding Man icon change direction to appear to be walking forward, and was launched in every market around the world.

Johnnie Walker Striding Man event champions responsible drinking and an abuse-free society

Johnnie Walker launches its #strideforgood campaign in South Africa accompanied by 365 Johnnie Walker Striding Men statues, to promote responsible drinking and in support of an abuse-free society.

Johnnie Walker has collaborated with Million Men March, Tswharanang Legal Advocacy Centre and Lifeline, to host an event in Johannesburg in support of an abuse-free society.

The event, which marks the launch of the brand’s #strideforgood campaign in South Africa, raised awareness of the ambition of all parties involved to help eradicate the causes and effects of women and children abuse for all 365 days of the year.

The South African public were invited to offer their support for an abuse-free society, by participating and contributing towards 365 days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children by continuing to promote responsible drinking in South Africa.

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches American Whiskey Tasting Experience Holiday Gift Set

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery invites you to an American Whiskey Tasting Experience this holiday season with a gift set featuring five signature mashbills. The first American Whiskey distillery to offer a tasting experience in premium 100ml glass tubes, samples include Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, and Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey.

As the only heritage distillery producing all major styles of American Whiskey, the tasting experience offers a unique opportunity to taste five different styles of award-winning brands. The gift set includes a brochure that guides consumers through a tasting of Wheat Whiskey, Wheat Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Bourbon, and Rye Whiskey with product information, tasting notes and tips. The back of the box includes historical and tasting note information on all five brands.

“The American Whiskey Tasting Experience takes consumers on a journey through Heaven Hill Distillery’s commitment to quality and heritage for more than 80 years,” said Group Portfolio Director Susan Wahl. “Heaven Hill Distillery is excited to offer an easy way for consumers to taste a full range of premium American Whiskey styles.”

The Heaven Hill Distillery American Whiskey Tasting Experience gift set will be available this holiday season at a suggested retail price of $49.99. Packaged in a premium Heaven Hill Distillery box, each sample is bottled in a 100ml glass tube with brand logos screen-printed on each. The brands included consist of the following:

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
This Heaven Hill Distillery original is named for the famed Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky. A 7-Year-Old Wheat whiskey, Bernheim Original is the first new style of American whiskey to be introduced since Prohibition. At 90 proof, Bernheim’s mellow taste is refreshingly smooth when served straight or in cocktails.

Larceny Bourbon
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon has its origins in the history of John E. Fitzgerald and the Old Fitzgerald brand. Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers select a limited number of barrels from specific floor locations in the rickhouse for Larceny’s six-year-old taste profile. Made with wheat as the secondary grain, and at 92 proof, Larceny has a softer, rounder taste profile.

Evan Williams Single Barrel
Each year Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers hand select barrels for this special edition with characteristics unique to that year. Every bottle is marked with the vintage date it was put into oak, along with the year it was bottled and the serial number of the barrel that the Bourbon was drawn from. Each edition is 86.6 proof.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Elijah Craig Small Batch is the signature Bourbon bearing the name of Rev. Elijah Craig, a Bourbon pioneer who is credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels. Long before the term Small Batch even existed, our Master Distillers were hand-selecting just the right number of barrels to make Elijah Craig. This expertise and attention to detail, and at 94 proof, give Elijah Craig Small Batch the right balance of rich flavor and full body for a warm spice and subtle smoke flavor.

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey
First produced in Maryland in the 1890s, Pikesville Rye, along with the rest of the once-booming Maryland Rye industry, was shuttered by prohibition. The brand reemerged after prohibition and became the last standing Maryland Rye. Now produced in Kentucky from extra-aged barrels stored in prime warehouse locations at 110 proof, Heaven Hill Distillery keeps this historic Maryland mark alive.

About Heaven Hill Distillery: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.3 million barrels aging in 54 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery previously held the titles of 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whiskey Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com

Wyoming Whiskey Announces New Batches of Limited Release Whiskeys

KIRBY, WY (Dec. 18, 2017)— Wyoming Whiskey’s annual selection of Single Barrel Bourbon is now on shelves in Wyoming, Colorado, California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois.  And, thanks to the success of Double Cask, a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask-finished bourbon, production has been increased and more consistent distribution can be expected in New York, New Jersey, and Colorado, in addition to the already established Wyoming and California markets. ​

Wyoming Whiskey Head Distiller, Sam Mead, is developing these creations with the tasting input of industry specialist and master blender, Nancy Fraley.

Single Barrel Bourbon represents the top 1% of all barrels sampled in a given year, with each barrel selected for its overall quality and flavor profile. Since its initial launch in Nov. 2015, Single Barrel has historically sold out soon after hitting the shelves. Single Barrel retails for $59.99.

This year’s stock for the Single Barrel program is over 5.5 years old. According to Fraley, given the unique maturation conditions at Wyoming Whiskey, this is when the bourbon starts to develop more “matured” aromas. This batch of Single Barrel has a has greater complexity, intensity, and finesse than it has in the past.

Wyoming Whiskey Single Barrel is deep copper to mahogany in color. On the nose, you’ll find browned butter, cola, black currant, black cherry and dried dates, orange citrus blossoms, bittersweet dark chocolate, almond butter and black tea. The palate is cola, dark chocolate, buttered pastry, dried date and Mission fig, raisin and candied orange peel. Its mouthfeel is full and rich, chewy, spicy, creamy with nuts. It has a long finish that’s dry, but with lingering impressions of butter crème, candied orange peel, and dark dried fruit.  But, each barrel offers its own unique variations from the general flavor profile.

Double Cask was first released in January 2017, at which time Larry Olmsted at Forbes Magazine reviewed it, stating “…it’s no surprise that this new release is delicious…every drop is 100% Wyoming, with the finest corn, wheat, barley and water from the Big Horn Basin.”

Double Cask is Wyoming Whiskey’s fully-matured bourbon that has a second round of maturation in Pedro Ximenez sherry barrels. Double Cask retails for $69.99.

Fraley gives Double Cask excellent marks. According to Fraley, the Sherry-Finished Bourbon features dark, autumnal notes of dried apricot and fig, stewed prune, black currant and toasted nuts. There are hints of candied orange peel, vanilla butter cream, and molasses underneath. The finish is comprised of dark, dried fruit followed by warm, brown baking spices.

Fraley added that this year’s Double Cask version overall has softer tannins, a lot more finesse, has more depth and length on the palate, and is overall ‘deeper and darker’ than last year’s version. The complexity has continued to increase as well.

Stay caught up on all things WW by becoming a Whiskey Baron. You’ll receive the latest news and special offers from Wyoming Whiskey direct to your inbox. For more frequent updates, follow Wyoming Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Wyoming Whiskey

Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. The company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey.  They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources.  Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit http://www.wyomingwhiskey.com/.

2017 Bartender Shootout Champion, Jacob Johnson, prepares his cocktail for the judges (credit: Rich Goodwin)

Wyoming Whiskey Crowns Rocky Mountain Bartender Shootout Champion

KIRBY, WY (Dec. 7, 2017)— Wyoming Whiskey has crowned Jacob Johnson of Aspen’s Element 47 bar within The Little Nell hotel as the 2017 Ski Town Showdown Champion. His signature cocktail, coined “The Sun Also Rises”, stole the hearts and taste buds of a discerning panel of judges.

After two regional competitions between over two dozen bartenders in Aspen, CO and Jackson, WY late this fall, Wyoming Whiskey brought five finalists from each location up to a festive final competition held at the Pink Garter Theater in Jackson, WY on Dec. 1.

The focus of the event was to create the best Wyoming Whiskey cocktail the West has ever seen. Wyoming Whiskey Ambassador and world-renowned cocktail guru, David Kaplan of Death & Co. judged both the regional and final competitions. Reigning WW Shootout Champion, Chad Taylor, and Arbor Snowboard athlete, Mark Carter, judged the Finals alongside Kaplan.

Bartender Shootout finalists pose for a photo with the judges and emcees (Credit: Rich Goodwin)

“Here’s to all of our participating bartenders who had the guts to be judged in a rowdy venue.  They showed a greater passion for this competition than we ever expected.” said David DeFazio, COO of Wyoming Whiskey. “And a round of applause for Jacob who started a rivalry that will be revisited for years to come.  He crushed it.”

Emcee Jeff Moran (left) toasts with Wyoming Whiskey Co-Founder David DeFazio (Credit: Rich Goodwin)

Johnson’s creation secured him the $2,500 cash purse, a pair of Blizzard skis and Tecnica ski boots, $500 for the charity of his choice, and in true Wyoming fashion, the coveted Ski Town Showdown Champion’s belt buckle.

1st Place —Jacob Johnson, Element 47 at The Little Nell in Aspen, CO  

“The Sun Also Rises”

•  2 oz Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon
• .5 oz Sierra Maestro Oloroso Sherry (15 Year)
•  1 Barspoon Bols Crème de Cacao White
•  1 Barspoon Pernod Absinthe Supérieure
•  Pinch of Salt
•  Rosemary Ice Ball

2nd Place— Amber Pollock, Backwards Distilling in Casper, WY

“No Unnecessary Travel”

•   1.5 oz Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Straight American Whiskey
•    .75 oz Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port
•    .5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
•    .5 oz Almond Orgeat
•   2 Barspoon Allspice Dram

3rd Place—Christina Molofsky,  Piste Mountain Bistro at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 

“Newton’s Dilemma”

•   2 oz Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Straight American Whiskey
•   1 oz Granny Smith Apple Juice
•   .5 oz Genepy des Alpes
•   Garnish: Small Pine Branch

Participants walked away with gear from sponsors such as Blizzard Skis, Tecnica, NewWest Knifeworks, Arbor Snowboards, Ibex, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Mountain Khakis.

Stay caught up on all things WW by becoming a Whiskey Baron. You’ll receive the latest news from Wyoming Whiskey direct to your inbox. For more frequent updates, follow Wyoming Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Wyoming Whiskey

Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. The company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey.  They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources.  Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit http://www.wyomingwhiskey.com/.

THE MACALLAN SHERRY OAK 40 YEARS OLD: 2017 RELEASE

A RARE SINGLE MALT

Just 465 bottles to be released worldwide, following the successful 2016 release 

December 18^th, 2017 (New York, New York) – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky, unveils its latest exceptional whisky in the coveted Sherry Oak range, The Macallan 40 Years Old. This highly collectible, limited-release whisky represents only the third non-vintage release of a 40 year old expression to come from the iconic Speyside distillery, and will be sought after by connoisseurs around the world. The Sherry Oak 40 years old reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit, for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824 and marks the pinnacle of the Sherry Oak Range.

Exclusively matured in hand-picked Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, this rich and intense single malt is a testament to The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, which are sourced, crafted and seasoned under the watchful eye of the Master of Wood and delivered to the demanding specifications of the Master Distiller and his team.

Once filled, the maturing spirit has remained undisturbed in the same casks for 40 years and it is these oak casks that are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural color and distinctive aromas and flavors which lie at the heart of this rare Macallan single malt whisky.

When matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, the robust, fruity and full bodied ‘new make’ spirit is transformed into a whisky of great richness and character. Crafted from an intriguing combination of three casks – 2 sherry butts and 1 sherry hogshead, The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old is a rich and complex whisky displaying a natural deep copper color.

On the nose there are hints of sultanas, gingers and wood spice against a backdrop of sweet cinnamon and citrus, while the palate opens with soft cinnamon spices leading into date and figs, before giving way to a long, rich finish with a lingering cinnamon spice.

Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller, said: “After a gentle slumber for over 40 years in our exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, this rare single malt is full of rich flavor and a beautiful natural color. The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old is an outstanding and distinctive addition to our collection of unique, mature whiskies and is testament to our enduring desire to create peerless single malts. We invest more in sherry seasoned casks than any other distillery in sourcing, crafting, seasoning and caring for our casks to create the depth, complexity and richness of flavor for which The Macallan is renowned.”

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old forms part of The Macallan Sherry Oak Range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. Each expression is characterized by spice, dried fruits and mature oak with a depth of flavor developing through the range.

To create The Macallan Sherry Oak Range, The Macallan works very closely with fully integrated ‘tree to finished seasoned cask’ companies in Spain, to identify the oak trees, fell them sustainably, saw and air dry the oak staves, before shipping them to Jerez in southern Spain for further air-drying to reduce the moisture further still. The casks are then crafted and seasoned for 18 months with dry Oloroso sherry, before making the journey up to Scotland where they are filled with The Macallan ‘new make’ spirit to mature for decades.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old has an ABV of 44%. The 2017 release will be available starting in late December 2017 and will be limited to 465 bottles worldwide, with only 70 bottles allocated to the USA at a suggested retail price of approximately $9,000.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

Whisky Makers Notes:

Color: Deep Copper

Aroma: Sultanas with gingers and wood spice. A background of sweet cinnamon and citrus emerges

Palate: Opens with soft cinnamon spices, quickly developing into a mouth coating of date and figs

Finish: Long, rich with a lingering cinnamon spice

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 http://www.themacallan.com/. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We Won! Icons of Whisky Scotland – Online Retailer of the Year 2018 – TheWhiskyBarrel.com

We’ve been rushed off our feet but finally (!) we have found a moment to properly acknowledge this amazing news. Wow! Now that is what we call an early Christmas present.

We are utterly thrilled to have recently been chosen as Whisky Magazine’s Icons Of Whisky Scotland, Online Retailer of the Year 2018. Sadly we couldn’t be there in person at the Award Banquet held in Edinburgh. Customer orders must come first! But now as we start the final week before the festive holidays, we can now raise one huge dram to celebrate.

As we have marked our 10th anniversary this year (2007-2017), this award is the absolute cherry on the cake. What a year it has been. As a Scottish, independent, family owned and run whisky retailer, this is a huge measure of success and recognition.

Thank You.

We would like to say thank you to the judging panel at Whisky Magazine for recognising the role we play within the wonderful industry of Scotch Whisky. Importantly we need to say a big thank you to all the wonderful companies who we work so closely with. They keep us stocked up on some of the finest Scotch Whisky, Scottish Gin, Rum and worldwide whiskey.

Finally, a huge thank you to all our utterly fabulous customers. The insatiable appetite, knowledge and support for Scotch Whisky in particular is what helps us, the indy bottling companies and distilleries continue to thrive.

Thank you and Slàinte Mhath from The Whisky Barrel Family.