RARE CASK SOCIETY: WHISKY ART PROJECT: FIRST RELEASE ‘TYGER’

Project #1, Batch #1 – ‘Tyger’

Rare Cask Society is proud to announce our First Whisky Art Project:  “Tyger”

“Tyger is hidden in the long grass, laying low, paws tighten the earth, his crimson eyes are on his prey, he will not miss.

You can sense it, but you can’t tell what it is, something is hidden, in the air.  Is it fear?

You hear a sound, nothing.  Must be just a silly rabbit, lots of them around.  No, it can’t be, and suddenly your eyes meet, how long has he been waiting, watching, those eyes tell a story, a message, that I will not escape the one and only Tyger”

About the Art

We are very proud to have Datsun Tran (see his Biography below) partner with us at Rare Cask Society. His original painting ‘Tyger’ was painted exclusively for the RCS Whisky Art Project #1, based on his tasting and imagination of the Whisky as ‘dark and dangerous’ given the high alcohol content.  His painting ‘Tyger’ is the first Whisky Art Project, and portrayed on each of the limited 100 bottle release. As a fellow and avid single malt whisky lover, his appreciation for our first release is evident in the expression of this original artwork on each bottle.

About the Artist:

Datsun Tran is a South Australian multidisciplinary visual artist who has worked in radio, theatre, comics and animation.

Tran’s work has varied in style and subject matter over the past 15 years, and while it has primarily featured the natural world, the work is about us, the human story.  His work has explored themes of conflict, utopia and personal identity.

Tran has exhibited all over Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.  He has had over 25 solo and group shows, exhibited in over 30 art fairs and has been a finalist in over 20 art prizes.

Follow Datsun for his latest artwork on Instagram:  datsuntran

About the Whisky

Very Limited production of 100 bottles at 66% ABV cask strength.  Single Cask.  Non-chill filtered Single Malt Whisky.  We have purchased the last remaining cask from a closed distillery in South Australia, aged 5 years in American Oak Port Casks.

Tasting notes:

Colour: Enticing dark sticky caramel laced with honey.

Nose:  Maple syrup with candied pecans. Oak, subtle spices and dried orange peel.  Delicate, sweet Christmas pudding.

Palate:  Butterscotch, cognac soaked raisins and a touch of marzipan.  Soft syrupy and luxurious mouthfeel that starts dangerously warm but is soon comforting.

Finish: Very long and lingering finish.  Perfect with a cuban cigar.

Release date: 1 December 2017, 5:00pm AEST.

Bottles are selling out quickly: We are excited to advise that all 100 bottles from this closed Distillery are now held in Melbourne, hand-numbered and ready for despatch before Christmas. Each bottle comes in its own custom-made, velvet lined RCS gift box.

For all enquiries: whisky@rarecasksociety.com

Introducing Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare special release

The new liquid is the first in a series of special releases crafted using irreplaceable whiskies from “ghost” distilleries that have long since closed, together with other rare malt and grain scotch.

Diageo Reserve has today announced the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare. Each edition will be crafted with one incredible whisky at its heart, the first being Brora.

Scotland’s first female coppersmith picks up the torch of age-old whisky craft

The most traditional of crafts has achieved a new first with a female apprentice taking up the coppersmith’s hammer and torch.

The most traditional of crafts has achieved a new first with a female apprentice taking up the coppersmith’s hammer and torch.

Rebecca Weir, 18, from Alloa has been recruited by Diageo Abercrombie as a first year Modern Apprentice and is believed to be the first female recruit into the coppersmith trade in Scotland.

Apprentices Steven Key, Rebecca Weir and Calum McTaggart join the team at Diageo Abercrombie

 

Apprentices Steven Key, Rebecca Weir and Calum McTaggart join the team at Diageo Abercrombie

 

Apprentices Steven Key, Rebecca Weir and Calum McTaggart join the team at Diageo Abercrombie

 

Woodinville Whiskey Company

STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY

Surprise them with one of the only 100% straight rye whiskies produced: a whiskey with all the traditional rye spice and flavor that rye whiskey drinkers love. And then some…This 100% rye starts with pure, traditionally-grown rye cultivated exclusively for us on the Omlin family farm in Quincy, Washington. The grain is mashed, distilled & barreled in our Woodinville distillery – then trucked back over the Cascade Mountains to our private barrel houses, where Central Washington’s extreme temperature cycles promote the extraction of natural flavors from the oak.

Prior to being coopered, the barrel wood is seasoned in open air, rain, wind, sun and snow for eighteen months softening the wood’s harsh tannins. They are then slowly toasted and heavily charred to further enrich the wood’s desirable flavors. The result of this meticulous process yields a truly hand-crafted whiskey with aromas of cinnamon, clove, and fruit leather, and notes of caramel, wood spice, and honey on the palate with a long, memorable finish that will leave you anticipating your next sip.

Benromach Distillery team expands as global popularity soars

Assistant distillery manager joins historic Speyside team 

Benromach Distillery has added to its team with the appointment of an assistant distillery manager.

As popularity for the traditional Speyside malt continues to grow across the globe, Benromach today (6 December 2017) announced that Jessica Haworth has started work at the historic Forres distillery.

Jessica Haworth, (31) has lived in Forres for the past four years and is originally from Colchester. She studied Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh before moving to Crisp Malting Group and later Diageo, where she gained knowledge and experience in both the operational and technical aspects of the malting and distilling processes.

Jessica will be responsible for daily distillery management and operations while also supporting the team in the delivery of new and innovative projects for which Benromach is famed.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager, said: “Jessica’s appointment is a significant step forward and opens another new chapter in Benromach history. She joins us with considerable knowledge and expertise and will be an invaluable member of the team.

“Over the last 18 months, we’ve enjoyed considerable growth and, as the popularity of our award-winning whisky continues to grow, we have significantly expanded production to meet the international appetite for our whiskies.

“Ours is an industry that requires carefully forward planning and patience so the spirit that Jessica lays down today will not be bottled and tasted by our consumers for at least ten years or more.”

Jessica, who has worked in the whisky industry for eight years, added: “I was attracted to the role at Benromach as I have long admired the distillery’s commitment to the handcrafted techniques and time honoured methods that have been handed down through the generations. I love being hands on and I am already enjoying learning about the true and traditional Benromach way.

“The distillery has enjoyed an award winning year to date and I look forward to supporting its continued success.”

The Urquhart family revived Benromach Distillery, restarting production in 1998 after a five-year extensive refurbishment. The family decided to create a traditional single malt in a style that draws its influence from pre-1960s Speyside whiskies.

Sales of whisky from Benromach Distillery increased by 27% following an increased investment in marketing and brand building across the world.

For more information about the distillery, the range and the visitor centre, please visit www.benromach.com.

Notes

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquharts decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous malt whisky trail.

Old Elk^® Distillery Introduces Flagship Spirit, Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Master Distiller Greg Metze and entrepreneur Curt Richardson collaborate to craft a smooth bourbon that transcends tradition

FORT COLLINS, COLO. (Oct. 16, 2017) – Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a collaboration in legacy and innovation between Master Distiller Greg Metze and entrepreneur Curt Richardson (OtterBox; Blue Ocean Enterprises), is now available from Old Elk Distillery. With four times more malted barley than conventional recipes and a slow cut proofing process which allows more time for flavors to marry between proofing stages, the Old Elk Bourbon recipe transcends tradition to craft a rich, smooth bourbon.

“My passion for entrepreneurship paired with Greg Metze’s nearly four decades of experience distilling award-winning spirits led us to develop a recipe that honors tradition while innovating the process to create a distinct bourbon,” said Curt Richardson, founder of Old Elk Distillery. “Working together, our distilling team, along with Greg, tested a number of recipes and found that using four times the malted barley of conventional recipes, combined with a slow cut proofing process significantly longer than is typical, leads to an overall smoother bourbon.”

The Old Elk Bourbon recipe is a collaboration between the Old Elk Distillery team and Master Distiller Greg Metze. The partnership marks the award-winning industry veteran’s return to distilling and opens a new chapter in his long history of having a hand in some of the world’s best bourbons.

“We use traditional ingredients – malted barley, corn and rye – in an innovative, yet steadfast recipe to create a bourbon with smooth, rich flavors that act in harmony with caramel cues brought out by the charred barrels and spicy rye notes,” said Greg Metze, Master Distiller at Old Elk Distillery. “After testing a variety of proofing periods, we found that these flavors come together in a smoother bourbon when the proofing stages are longer. Instead of taking the usual 24 to 48 hours for proofing, we use a slow cut proofing process during which full-barrel proof bourbon is cut and left to rest – and we repeat this patient technique until the ideal character is achieved. It takes significantly longer than most common recipes, but taking the time to proof slowly makes all the difference.”

To help age and blend Old Elk Bourbon, the distillery team worked with key partners to ensure the quality and consistency of the bourbon in each hand-selected Old Elk barrel.

Old Elk Bourbon (SRP $49.99), now available in Colorado, features flavors of sweet maple and a hint of chocolate, overlaid with deep wood and coconut. It offers aromas of sweet vanilla and caramel, along with clove spice and nutty almond. Its mouthfeel is smooth, with a sweet, lasting flavor.

For more information, visit OldElk.com and connect with Old Elk at @OldElkBourbon on Instagram and Facebook, and @OldElkOfficial on Twitter.

About Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey is where legacy meets innovation. Where a master distiller with nearly four decades of bourbon under his belt collaborates with a master entrepreneur known for ingenious ventures to create a spirit that transcends tradition. The flagship spirit from Old Elk Distillery was crafted in a collaboration between entrepreneur Curt Richardson and Master Distiller Greg Metze. The smooth, rich bourbon uses a mash bill of traditional ingredients – barley, corn and rye – in an innovative recipe to create a distinct bourbon. In combining four times more malted barley than traditional recipes with a slow cut proofing process, significantly longer than is typical, this intentional time period allows the flavors to marry between stages, until the exact character is achieved, creating an overall smoother bourbon. The result is an overall smoother bourbon, in harmony with caramel cues evoked by charred barrels and spicy notes of rye. Learn more at OldElk.com.

About Old Elk Distillery

Old Elk^® Distillery – named best Colorado distillery at the 2016 and 2017 New York International Spirits Competition – is the distillery behind Old Elk Bourbon, Dry Town Gin, Dry Town Vodka, and Nooku Bourbon Cream. Founded by Curt and Nancy Richardson, the innovators who created OtterBox and Blue Ocean Enterprises, Old Elk Distillery follows the Richardsons’ tradition of innovation by crafting spirits unlike any others. Led by a team of experienced and passionate distillers based in Fort Collins, Colo., Old Elk prides itself on developing premium, handcrafted vodka, gin and bourbons.

TAKE THE TOMATIN TIPPLE TEST 

Tomatin’s People Pairing takes off with celebrity matches 

Highland distiller’s Tomatin have unveiled their People Pairing quiz that aims to match personality traits to different expressions in their core range of whiskies.

Based on the notion that certain personality traits could match the different characteristics of the distiller’s core range, a likely pairing can be suggested via an online test on the Tomatin website (http://www.tomatin.com/people-pairing) .

Master Distiller, Graham Eunson said, “With so many different whiskies within our core range, I have no doubt that there is a whisky to match every personality. By breaking down each expression to a certain flavor profile, I have tried to match these to five distinct personality types. It may not be definitive, but I believe that this shows that everyone can enjoy whisky. It’ll be interesting to see how the public reacts to their Tomatin’s paired whiskies.”

To launch the personality pairing test, the brand held a tasting with master distiller Graham Eunson, who matched three celebrities to their 12-Year Old, 18-Year Old and 36-Year old whiskies. The three celebrities that were matched were legendary cyclist Victoria Pendleton, fashion designer Henry Holland and Alpinist and 12-time Everest conqueror Kenton Cool.

Henry Holland, the famed Mancunian fashion designer to the stars, businessman and Internet personality, was matched with the smooth 12-Year Old. A malt known for being easy to drink and synonymous with a relaxed, yet charming, sophistication, this expression is paired perfectly with a man as suave and confident as Henry Holland.

Victoria Pendleton’s personality’s perfect tipple was the 18-Year Old and is the winner of the most gold medals within Tomatin’s core range. This track-cyclist is a nine-time world champion, and just like her paired whisky, is classy, ambitious and, as one of Great Britain’s most successful female Olympians, definitely an achiever.

Last, but by no means least, is Kenton Cool. Having climbed Mount Everest a staggering 12 times, he is one of Britain’s leading alpine and high altitude climbers. As an experienced over-achiever, he was a handsome match for Tomatin’s 36-Year Old, a world-class, mature dram that was voted Best Scotch in the world at the San Francisco Spirit Awards 2017.

University of Edinburgh Psychologist Dr Adam Moore has investigated the link between personality types and whisky preference. He said: “Some research has previously been done that can pair certain personality traits with key whisky flavours. Taste is the least understood of the human senses and whilst there has been research around the types of food people prefer, how our personalities affect these preferences, especially regarding whisky preference, has yet to be fully explored.”

Tomatin’s trophy cabinet bursts with accolades and awards including winning Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Tomatin is also currently ranked in the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA and are one of the fasting growing brands in the UK. 

Notes: 

• The quiz can be found at: www.tomatin.com/people-pairing
• Facebook: facebook.com/tomatin1897
• Twitter: Tomatin1897
• Instagram: tomatinwhisky

The countdown to Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge begins

On 12th December 2017, 28 teams from around the world will leave the shores of La Gomera, Canary Islands, to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to English Harbour, Antigua in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Known as the world’s toughest row, the 2017 race includes teams from the UK, Ireland, USA, Spain, Romania, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, China, Antigua and Egypt. Competing as solos, pairs, trios or teams of four, each participant will burn around 8,000 calories a day and lose approximately 20% of their body weight over the duration of the race.

Jim Beam Unveils First-Ever Artificially Intelligent Decanter

Chicago, Ill. – (November 29, 2017) – Jim Beam, the maker behind the world’s best-selling bourbon and last year’s groundbreaking Jim Beam® Apple Watch, is making history yet again, taking its knack for innovation to create the first-ever “smart decanter.”

A “HomeBar” engineered with more than 200 years of bourbon know-how, “JIM” is advancing the technology of shot pouring and drinking, providing bourbon lovers a high-tech way to enjoy America’s Native Spirit. A preview of the whiskey world’s most innovative piece of technology can be viewed on YouTube, and is available in limited quantities to those 21 years of age or older for pre-order on www.JimBeam.com for $34.90. Unlike other smart home devices, “JIM” not only answers life’s most important questions, but also offers groundbreaking shot pouring functionality that allows legal drinking age consumers to serve up a drink from the comfort of their couch.

Voiced by 7th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe, the decanter-turned virtual voice assistant includes a sleek compartment for bourbon storage and voice command capabilities. While he can’t turn off the lights or sing you a song, “JIM” bridges the gap between Silicon Valley and Kentucky with unique artificial intelligence that will answer your questions… and pour you a glass of bourbon.

“At Jim Beam, we’re in the business of evolving the way people drink delicious bourbon,” said Noe. “For decades, we produced unique limited-edition decanters that are now collectors’ items. And now, we’re introducing a smart decanter that lets fans enjoy their bourbon on demand with friends and family.”

For a limited time only, “JIM” will be available for pre-order at www.JimBeam.com while supplies last. While modern smart devices have been known to retail upwards of $349, “JIM” will cost just $34.90.

The Jim Beam family has been answering questions about bourbon for more than 200 years. Jim Beam® is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon that’s aged twice as long as required, delivering an oak vanilla, spicy backdrop with a toasted oak, sweet finish. It is sold at the suggested retail price of $17.99 for 750mL, and in bars and retail locations nationwide. Price varies by market and product size, which includes 50mL, 100mL, 375mL, 750mL, 1L and 1.75L.

For more information on “JIM,” follow Jim Beam on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or visit http://www.jimbeam.com.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Diageo Whisky Summit brings the best of Scotland to China

The second edition of Diageo’s annual China Whisky Summit took place on 17-18 November in Guangzhou.

The landmark two-day event brings together over 500 industry experts, scotch adorers and business partners to discuss and share whisky knowledge, trends and opportunities in a series of panels, workshops and tasting masterclasses.

Chinese consumers have a thirst for knowledge on scotch whisky and a desire to refine their appreciation of its heritage, provenance and craft credentials. The Summit is one of Diageo’s major initiatives to drive awareness about the scotch category and excitement about Diageo’s scotch portfolio in China.

£4 billion of scotch is shipped across the world each year, making it the UK’s biggest food and drink export. Testimony to the growing demand for scotch amongst Chinese consumers, scotch whisky exports to China grew by 45% to £27m in the first half of 2017 according to the Scotch Whisky Association. Tourism is another important part of the scotch whisky industry and last year 1.7m visits were made to distilleries in Scotland, with many coming from China.

The Whisky Summit is one of the most exciting and engaging immersive whisky experience ever hosted in China, showcasing all the whiskies from Diageo’s 27 distilleries in operation in Scotland. Visitors have the opportunity to take virtual tours of some of Diageo’s most iconic distilleries and attend masterclasses given by some of the world’s most renowned whisky experts like Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Georgie Crawford, Lagavulin Distillery Manager and acclaimed whisky writers Charles MacLean and Dave Broom.