DALMORE LEGENDARY OUTPERFORMS AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

Top Lots: Dalmore Eos-59 year old (right) sold for HK$918,750 and Dalmore Selene-58 year old (left) sold for HK$673,750 at Bonhams Whisky Sale in Hong Kong

Hong Kong – Bonhams Whisky Sale on Friday 2 February in Hong Kong achieved a total sale of HK$13,107,500 with close to 94% sold by lot and 96.5% sold by value of the 358 lots. All top lots sold for two or three times their estimates, indicating a positive sign for market demand among private collectors in Hong Kong and Asia.

The Whisky sale led with the two exceptional bottles from the Dalmore Legendary Release, a limited edition showcasing the depth and quality of the celebrated distillery’s aged stock and supervised under the skills of its Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, one of the most influential characters in the industry. With only 20 bottles ever released, the Dalmore Eos-59 year old, sold for HK$918,750 against an estimate at HK$220,000 – $280,000; while the Dalmore Selene-58 year old, of which only 30 bottles were ever released, sold for HK$673,750 from an estimate of HK$200,000 – $260,000.

During the sale, Bonhams previewed two rare vintage Macallan – The 60 Years Old 1926 (Peter Blake Label) and The 60 Years Old 1926 (Adami Label), which will feature in the next Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky sale on 18 May in Hong Kong. Both belong to the dozen bottles ever produced and specially designed by the renowned British artist Sir Peter Blake and Valerio Adami respectively. These magnificent whiskies are elegantly presented in boxes styled as spirit saves, and have been unseen to public’s eyes since their auctions over 3 decades ago in the 1980s. Bonhams Head of Fine Wine and Whisky in Hong Kong, Daniel Lam, added: “These bottles are incredibly rare and whiskies of this caliber stand in themselves as works of art inside out.”

Other top results from the Whisky sale featured a number of Karuizawa and Macallan decanters, including:

• Macallan Millennium Decanter sold HK$428,750 (estimate HK$200,000-250,000)
• Karuizawa-1964-#3603 sold for HK$306,250 (estimate HK$180,000-240,000)
• Macallan Fine & Rare-1950-52 year old sold for HK$269,500 (estimate HK$190,000-240,000)
• Macallan Select Reserve-1946-52 year old sold for HK$147,000 (estimate HK$100,000-140,000)
• Karuizawa-1981-1984-Cocktail Series (4 bottles) sold for HK$147,000 (estimate HK$120,000-160,000)
• Macallan Red Ribbon-1940 sold for HK$122,500 (estimate HK$60,000-80,000)
• Glen Grant-1949-67 year old sold for  HK$122,500 (estimate HK$60,000-80,000)

About Bonhams 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

The Singleton whisky launches ‘Forgotten Drop Series’

The Singleton Glendullan 40 Year Old is the first release from the distillery’s Forgotten Drop Series, which will include limited edition whiskies drawn from reserves uncovered by The Singleton’s Master of Malts Maureen Robinson.

“The Singleton Forgotten Drop Series is an exciting collection to curate. We have been exploring the deepest corners of our warehouse to find hidden treasures that, due to the stocks, we could never release widely. The amount of time these liquids spent maturing in this type of cask makes it so precious. It’s whisky for whisky lovers and The Singleton Glendullan 40 Year Old is a stunning liquid to launch with.”

Maureen Robinson
Master of Malts for The Singleton

Glen Scotia soars into UK airports with World Duty Free 

Independent Campbeltown distillery Glen Scotia is taking off for the first time at airports across the UK in partnership with leading travel retailer, World Duty Free.

Two Global Travel Retail (GTR) exclusive expressions that showcase the distinctive heritage and craftsmanship championed at the distillery – Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown and Glen Scotia 16 Year Old – will be available in the travel retailer’s specialist World of Whiskies stores from this month.

The Glen Scotia distillery, which has a history dating back to 1832, is located in Campbeltown, one of Scotland’s five Scotch whisky producing regions. In the Victorian age Campbeltown was known as the ‘whisky capital of the world’ and was home to more than 30 distilleries. Today Glen Scotia is one of just three surviving local distilleries and is the only representative from the region in World Duty Free’s stores which are located in 22 airports across the UK.

Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown is a unique single malt whisky with a balanced peated character, while Glen Scotia 16 Year Old is a single malt whisky delivering the true Campbeltown character with hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. The expressions incorporate new one litre bottles and premium packaging underlining the quality and provenance of the products.

The partnership with World Duty Free follows the release of a limited edition 26-year-old Glen Scotia Single Cask exclusively at Edinburgh Airport last year. Parent company, Loch Lomond Group has also achieved successful sales for its Loch Lomond GTR Scotch whisky range in the  World of Whiskies stores.

André de Almeida, managing director of Global Travel Retail at Loch Lomond Group, said: “We’re very excited to be introducing Glen Scotia in partnership with World Duty Free. The Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown whisky alongside the classic Glen Scotia 16 Year Old single malt, will provide a true taste of the distillery’s distinctive and authentic character.

“The launch forms part of our ambitious worldwide roll-out of our GTR range and marks a significant milestone for Glen Scotia, as it’s the first time the brand will be available in airports right across the UK.”

Kathryn Kindness, Commercial Category Manager from World Duty Free, said: “The launch of Glen Scotia is very exciting for us as it now ensures a Campbeltown Single Malt offering in each of our UK World of Whiskies stores so all of our consumers will have the opportunity to discover a region not previously represented.”

For further information, visit www.glenscotia.com

Notes 

 RRP:

• Glen Scotia 1832 Campbeltown £52
• Glen Scotia 16 Year Old £75

About Glen Scotia:

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition. 

www.glenscotia.com

@glenscotiamalts

JAMES MARSDEN, SHANINA SHAIK AND SUKI WATERHOUSE LEAD GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS FOR SECOND ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SCOTCH DAY 

EDINBURGH, FEBRUARY 6^th 2018:  Scotch, the world’s favourite whisky, will be celebrated across the globe on Thursday February 8^th with a series of red carpet, star-studded events to mark International Scotch Day.

International Scotch Day is a celebration of everything that gives the world’s favourite dram its unique character, flavour and personality – and invites adults everywhere to raise a glass of Scotch in celebration on the day.  International Scotch Day is held during the week of the birthday of one of the world’s most influential Master Blenders – Alexander Walker the son of John ‘Johnnie’ Walker who brought Scotch to the world.

This year’s celebrations will be bigger than ever, taking place in over 70 countries worldwide, almost doubling the volume of last year’s inaugural celebrations and truly getting the world talking, thinking and enjoying Scotch.  Large-scale marquee events will take place in India, Mexico, The Philippines and South Africa involving consumer and media engagements throughout the day and red-carpet star-studded parties by evening. Events, PR, social media, broadcast, e-commerce, sampling, in-store and in-bar activity are planned, and all designed to drive excitement about Scotch.

People can participate by visiting their favourite bar and enjoying a Scotch with friends, or posting on social media using #LoveScotch.  For those Scotland-bound, Diageo’s 12 distillery visitor centres will open their doors free of charge on 8^th, 10^th and 11^th February to explore behind the scenes of some of the world’s most iconic Scotch whisky brands such as Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch and Glenkinchie, Talisker, Oban, Dalwhinnie and Cardhu Single Malts. To sign up for a free standard tour, visit www.diageo.com

Scotch is a drink that’s been cool since forever, with a timeless style & swagger that’s unmistakable and it was in this spirit that actor James Marsden, supermodel Shanina Shaik and actress Suki Waterhouse were invited to lead a series of special celebrations to celebrate 2018 International Scotch Day.

Shaik will celebrate International Scotch Day in Johannesburg, Marsden will travel to Manila and Delhi & Waterhouse will be in Mexico City to celebrate the day.

“I can’t think of a better place to be than in Mexico City for International Scotch Day”, said Waterhouse. “Scotch has always been my go to drink and I have such an appreciation for its history and complexities”

Marsden said, “I’ll be celebrating twice, in two exciting locations, Manila on Feb 6th and Delhi on Feb 8th.. Scotch has always been one of my favourite drinks and I’m excited to travel to these two incredible cities to experience International Scotch Day with my fellow Scotch enthusiasts”.

When asked to describe her favourite thing about Scotch, Shanina Shaik said, “I love that it’s a drink that’s withstood time. It’s gone from a classic drink to one that mixologists can modernize with delicious ingredients”.

Ronan Beirne, Global Brand Marketing Director at Diageo said: “Last year’s International Scotch Day was a huge success and this year we wanted to turn up the volume and make it even more of a celebration with our three global ambassadors and events in many more markets.

Beirne continued, “We chose to shoot the campaign creative at the iconic Cambus Cooperage against a backdrop of casks representing a tradition of craftsmanship that dates back centuries, alongside these three stylish personalities enjoying a Scotch together.  A perfect way to show that Scotch is cool, and made to be enjoyed whenever and wherever.”

The LoveScotch campaign encourages those who choose to drink, to do so responsibly.

#LoveScotch and #InternationalScotchDay.

About Diageo:  Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.  Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Glenmorangie celebrates its 175th anniversary with multi-million pound investment

CHIVAS HARNESSES COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN SEARCH FOR THE 2018 CHIVAS MASTERS GLOBAL CHAMPION

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR BARTENDERS WHO CREATIVELY CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF THEIR COMMUNITY

8^th January, 2018: Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched its search for the 2018 Chivas Masters Global Champion. Now in its fifth year, the Chivas Masters is a global competition that celebrates bartenders who demonstrate cutting-edge skill and creativity and share Chivas Regal’s core values of community, collaboration and generosity.

Launching in 22 countries across six continents, the Chivas Masters offers bartenders a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow their skills in a collaborative environment where they can learn from peers, alumni and industry experts from across the globe. This year, the theme of community will sit at the very heart of the competition, with the national stages challenging participants to produce a Chivas drink that is inspired by someone in their local community. The winner of each of the 22 national finals will go on to the Global Final to represent their market and compete for the coveted title of Chivas Masters Global Champion 2018.

This year’s Global Final will be hosted in the United Kingdom – both in London and at Strathisla distillery in Speyside, the spiritual home of Chivas Regal. Throughout a series of masterclasses and intense individual and team challenges, the bartenders’ skills and creativity will be tested, and they will have to prove that they can be as generous with their expertise as they are with a dram of Chivas Regal, by collaborating with their fellow finalists to achieve shared success.

At the culmination of the six-day programme, the Chivas Masters Global Champion 2018 will be crowned, 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.

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, comments:

“AT CHIVAS REGAL, WE BELIEVE THAT GENEROSITY AND SUCCESS GO HAND IN HAND – A BELIEF INSPIRED BY OUR FOUNDING BROTHERS, JAMES AND JOHN CHIVAS, WHO SHARED THEIR SUCCESS WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AS THEIR BUSINESS GREW. THESE ARE THE VALUES THAT HAVE INFLUENCED THE CHIVAS MASTERS RIGHT FROM THE START, AND THE REASON WHY IN 2018 WE ARE BEYOND EXCITED TO BRING THE GLOBAL FINAL HOME TO WHERE OUR BRAND, VALUES AND INDEED OUR OWN COMMUNITY WERE BORN.”

If you think you have what it takes to be the next Chivas Masters Global Champion, visit https://www.chivas.com/chivasmasters to find out more.

#ChivasMasters 

Notes:

For more information please contact:

chivasbrothers@text100.com 

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

PERNOD RICARD SETS WORLDWIDE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY EXAMPLE

Following a global shift against the use of single use plastic straws, due to their harmful impact on our environment and oceans, Pernod Ricard is leading by example by banning the use of plastic straws and stirrers in any part of its business.

A straw which is only used on average for 20 minutes can take more than 200 years to breakdown into smaller pieces and often does not fully disintegrate. It has been reported that country-wide the UK and USA alone throw away around 550 million plastic straws every day.

Vanessa Wright, Group VP for Sustainability and Responsibility, said: “The history of Pernod Ricard and our values are intrinsically linked to social responsibility and care – it is a part of us, and the creation of the Paul Ricard Oceanography Institute more than 50 years is a concrete example. We know that this type of non-biodegradable plastic is having a detrimental impact on the environment and oceans, and for us it’s crucial that we play our role in helping to prevent any further damage.”

Local Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead, has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating the company on its stance on straws and stirrers.

In the motion, he has recommended that ‘Parliament congratulates Pernod Ricard on its decision to ban plastic straws and stirrers in any part of its business; understands that the business has decided to stop using non-biodegradable straws and stirrers as part of its New Year resolutions; notes that the group has asked all of its affiliates globally to ensure that non-biodegradable straws are not used at any Pernod Ricard events in the future; acknowledges that a straw, which is only used for an average of 20 minutes, can take more than 200 years to breakdown into smaller pieces and often does not disintegrate; recognises that this is an important step for the beverage industry in tackling the damaging impacts that non-biodegradable plastics are having on the global environment; commends Pernod Ricard’s decision to ban plastic straws and stirrers, and hopes that other industry-leading organisations will follow in its footsteps.’

Along with contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Pernod Ricard is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. Pernod Ricard’s 2020 Roadmap includes reducing its waste to landfills with an ambitious goal: from 913 tons today to 0 by 2020.

GLENMORANGIE’S NINTH PRIVATE EDITION INSPIRED BY AMERICAN RYE WHISKEY

Glenmorangie’s first single malt whisky fully matured in American ex-rye whiskey casks is today revealed as the ninth release in the Highland Distillery’s acclaimed Private Edition series.

Glenmorangie Spìos, the Private Edition for 2018, exhibits a sophistication and subtle spice inspired by American rye whiskey. With its savoury and full-bodied character, Glenmorangie Spìos (Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’ and pronounced ‘spee-oss’) recalls the glittering heyday of American rye when production levels of rye whiskey were at an all-time high, it was hugely popular and considered highly desirable. Indeed, classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Sazerac all used rye as their base alcohol when they were first created, over time, the spirit fell from favour and slipped into obscurity, where it would remain for years to come.

When travelling in the U.S. in the late 1990s, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, sought out some of the few remaining rye distilleries, intrigued by the whiskey’s history.  He found its characteristics of cinnamon and clove so captivating, that he decided to experiment with American ex-rye whiskey casks. Aware that a spirit of Glenmorangie’s renowned smoothness could invite rye’s subtleties to shine through in a way that many others would not, he was determined to one day bring a hint of American rye whiskey’s character to the Distillery’s renowned spirit.

To make Glenmorangie Spìos, Dr Bill sourced the finest first-fill casks from American whiskey’s heartland of Kentucky.  And long before the rye resurgence of today began, he arranged for these hand-selected oak casks to be shipped across the world, to the Glenmorangie Distillery.

Dr Bill comments: “I have always loved American rye whiskey’s spicy character, and I believed our smooth house style would perfectly complement the nuances of ex-rye casks. The result is Glenmorangie Spìos – a full-bodied, savoury single malt which brings to mind American rye whiskey’s golden age. Its fresh, herbal nose hints at cherry, clove and scents of green grass. The rye’s spice bursts on to the palate, as toffee, clove and cinnamon mingle with buttery vanilla, before a sweet and lingering finish – a single malt whisky which is unmistakeably Glenmorangie, yet exquisitely different.”

Bottled at 46% ABV, and non-chill filtered for extra body and texture, Glenmorangie Spìos will be available from www.Clos19.com and specialist whisky shops worldwide priced at £79 from 30th January.

www.glenmorangie.com

NOTES: 

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Straw gold

Nose: Fresh, herbal and perfumed, hints of cherry, clove and mint toffee, with some green grassy notes. A splash of water releases more perfumed, ‘ethereal’ notes, crisp, clean and fresh, with myriad herbal notes.

Taste: Spicy texture, lots of toffee, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet, buttery vanilla.

Finish: Rich, sweet and lingering, with more fudge, toffee, brazil nut and tangy citrus. 

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at
the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain, who have passed their skills down the generations. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as among the pioneers in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

The Glenmorangie Private Edition:

Glenmorangie’s Private Edition is an award-winning series of limited releases which provides an annual opportunity for whisky connoisseurs and aficionados to experience a rare and intriguing single malt.  Glenmorangie Spìos is the ninth release in the series.  Previous releases include Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (IWSC 2010 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Finealta (IWSC 2012 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Artein (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal); Glenmorangie Ealanta (IWSC 2013 Gold Medal and World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2014); Glenmorangie Companta (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2014), Glenmorangie Tùsail (San Francisco Spirit Awards Gold Medal 2015), Glenmorangie Milsean (ISC 2016 Gold Medal) and, in 2017, Glenmorangie Bacalta (IWSC 2017 Gold Medal).

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

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