THE MACALLAN TOPS BONHAMS BEST EVER WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH

The Macallan Select Reserve 52 year-old-1946. Sold for £15,625 (estimate £7,000-9,000)

A bottle of The Macallan Select Reserve 52 year-old emerged as the top lot in Bonhams Whisky Sale in Edinburgh yesterday, 4 October selling for £15,625. It had been estimated at  £7,000-9,000. The sale made a total of £523,963, the highest ever for a Bonhams whisky sale in Edinburgh.

Other highlights included:

• The Macallan-1961 which sold for £13,125. One of only 379 bottles, it had been estimated at £8,000-10,000.
• Glenfarclas-60 year old: one of only 360 bottles produced this unique 60 year made £12,500 having been estimated at £10,000-15,000.
• A crystal bottle of Port Ellen-36 year old-1981 bottled in 2017. Drawn from a single cask as part of Diageo’s Casks of Distinction programme it was estimated at £4,500-5,000, but sold for £9,375.

 NOTES  

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

NEW OWNERS LAY OUT PLANS FOR THE GLENALLACHIE AFTER TOASTING COMPLETION OF DISTILLERY DEAL 

Billy Walker-led team unveil vision to launch single malt and create premium blends  

The new owners of The GlenAllachie Distillery, near Aberlour, have unveiled their ambitious expansion plans for the business after completing the acquisition of the Speyside site from Pernod Ricard in a multi million pound deal.

Billy Walker, Graham Stevenson and Trisha Savage, who came together as The GlenAllachie Distillers Company Ltd to make the purchase, plan to launch a range of premium quality yet affordable whiskies in domestic and export markets.

Key targets include emerging markets as well as more established markets such as France, Germany and the United States.

The GlenAllachie Distillers Company will work with distributors that share its focus on quality drinks brands.  Plans include releasing a range of aged whiskies from a 10 year old to 25 year old.

In future, a range of single cask bottlings and special edition whiskies will be developed.

Experienced team 

Across the senior team the three directors of The GlenAllachie Distillers Company have almost 100 years’ experience in the Scotch whisky industry.

The consortium has also bought MacNair’s and White Heather, a pair of blended Scotch whisky brands, which it plans to rejuvenate with a various range of ages.

Majority shareholder Billy Walker served with Ballantine’s, Inver House and Burn Stewart before forming the BenRiach Distillery Company in 2003.

The company was ultimately sold to American drinks giant and Jack Daniel’s owner Brown-Forman last year, earning Walker the accolade of “Entrepreneur of the Year” at the 2016 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. 

Exciting opportunities ahead

Walker said:  “There are so many exciting opportunities in the whisky industry and the outlook for Scotch in emerging markets has never looked brighter. 

“We want to create a boutique Scotch whisky company that is truly independent, Scottish-owned and managed. The team have all been in corporate roles previously and this is our opportunity to step away from that. At this stage in our careers we simply want to create a company that is fun to work with and passionate about making great whisky. 

“The GlenAllachie Distillery has been in good hands and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to become the custodian and continue the development as a single malt. 

“At fifty years old, it may be one of the younger distilleries on Speyside but the range of casks we have warehoused is tremendous, with whisky dating back to the 1970’s. Our aim is to nurture this liquid, develop the single malt and a range of blends that will be admired both home and abroad.”

Trisha Savage worked with Walker at both Burn Stewart and BenRiach, while Graham Stevenson is a former managing director at Inver House Distillers.

The GlenAllachie Distillery was designed by William Delmé-Evans – the architect behind Jura, Macduff and Tullibardine – and was built in 1967 by Mackinlay McPherson, the distilling arm of brewers Scottish & Newcastle.  It sits within a 20 acre estate and uses water sourced from Hangman’s Craig and Black Banks on the slopes of Ben Rinnes. It has four stills but unusually it also has two separate spirit safes, one for each set of stills.   Further information on the distillery and company can be found at http://www.theglenallachie.com/

Two World Records Broken by Whisky Cask at Spink Auction 

EDINBURGH — 4 October 2017 – A full cask of Macallan 1987 Single Malt Scotch whisky has fetched HK$2,928,000 (£282,890 or US$374839) at Spink China auction house, with Scottish whisky specialists Cask 88 acting as the advisor, setting a new world record for both the sale of a whisky cask and for the most expensive per-bottle cask sold at auction.

As part of an Evening of Fine and Rare Whiskies at Spink’s prestigious Hong Kong facilities on 3 Oct 2017, lot 88 was a showstopper: Distilled by The Macallan Glenlivet Distillery on 13th April 1987 (Cask number 3335) and matured in a sherry hogshead, this record-breaking whisky is currently stored at The Macallan bonded warehouse in Scotland and measured 102 RLA 50.5% as of April 2017.

This recent sale exceeds the previous record of just under HK$2 million, also held by a cask of Macallan whisky sold at Spink auction house China, set on Friday 4 July 2014. The in-demand cask does not only hold the title of most expensive cask sold at auction, but it is also the most expensive per-bottle cask sold in auction worldwide. It would produce only 228 bottles at cask strength, coming to a price of HK$10,166 per bottle.

Patrick Costello is the Director of Cask 88, Scottish whisky specialists and advisors for this twice record-breaking cask. “We’re delighted to continue a strong and ever-developing relationship with the fine team at Spink auction house,” said Patrick. “This historic sale has brought about a trifecta of world-recognised achievements for Cask 88 this week. It comes on the heels of our appearance at Fine Art Asia, where we were the first ever company to exhibit whisky at an international art fair. It is evident that demand for fine and antique whisky is rising across the globe, and I’m very proud that Cask 88 are leading the way.”

“We estimated that it would sell for around HK$2.3 as it is very rare to see an aged Macallan sherry cask, never before has anything like that been offered to the public, as after all – it is a rather small barrel yielding less than 300 bottles even if you flip the cask upside-down!” said Angie Ihlo Fung, Auctioneer and Whisky Specialist of Spink. “As the action went on, we saw determination from buyers participating from different parts of the world, and it reached a price it certainly deserves, we are most content.”

Tasting notes by Scotland’s leading whisky expert, Charles MacLean describe the cask as having the appearance of “deep umber; old polished oak.” He describes the aroma as having “a mild nose-feel effect, and a relatively closed nose initially. A warm and welcoming aroma – mellow and gentle, with top notes of dry oloroso sherry, mid notes of Christmas cake (with marzipan and icing) and a slightly burnt base note.” As for the taste, “At natural strength the mouth-feel is drying. The taste is sweet, but not cloying – indeed there are traces of crystallized orange peel and angelica and some cooking spice in the long finish.” He concludes by commenting “This is a terrific, understated, example of The Macallan. Gentle, sophisticated and unassuming, but still vivacious.”

Notes :

About Cask 88

Founded in 2007, Cask 88 is now internationally recognised as one of the world’s foremost whisky experts, selling old and rare casks and bottles from world-renowned distilleries. An extensive inventory and expansive global network provide an unparalleled selection of fine whiskies, which attracts a wide clientele from London, Hong Kong, Beijing to New York. Cask 88 believes that buying vintage whisky should be fun and offers its clients a bespoke service where they are given an opportunity to select, purchase, label and package their own exclusive whisky drawn from the finest Scotch casks.

cask88.com

Follow Cask 88 on Twitter: @88Cask                        

Like Cask 88 on Facebook: facebook.com/cask88

About Spink

Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year.  Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website (www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad. spink.com

Iconic “lost” distilleries revived in major scotch investment

The distilleries, which have been silent since they were closed in 1983, will be brought back into production through a £35 million investment by Diageo, the world’s leading Scotch whisky company.

 In the 34 years since Brora and Port Ellen were closed, the whiskies they produced have become some of the most highly prized and sought after liquids in Scotch whisky, renowned for exceptional quality and character; elevating the ghost distilleries to cult status amongst whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

 For many years whisky fans around the world have called on Diageo to reopen these closed distilleries. The decision is partly a response to those demands from existing enthusiasts but it also reflects the strong growth in the single malt Scotch market and the opportunity to create new generations of whisky consumers.

 Port Ellen Distillery on the famous whisky island of Islay, and Brora on the remote eastern coast of Sutherland, will both be reinstated to distil in carefully controlled quantities, with a meticulous attention to detail, replicating where possible the distillation regimes and spirit character of the original distilleries. Cask filling and traditional warehousing will also be included on the sites of both distilleries.

 The distilleries will also have dedicated Brand Homes to welcome guests and they are expected to become iconic attractions in the Scottish tourism landscape, attracting whisky pilgrims from around the globe.

 Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach, who played an instrumental role in building the reputation of Port Ellen and Brora whiskies through the Diageo Special Releases programme, which has been running since 2001, announced the plans on behalf of the company.

 He said: “This is a truly exceptional moment in Scotch whisky. Port Ellen and Brora are names which have a uniquely powerful resonance with whisky-lovers around the world and the opportunity to bring these lost distilleries back to life is as rare and special as the spirit for which the distilleries are famous.

 “Only a very few people will ever be able to try the original Port Ellen and Brora single malts as they become increasingly rare, so we are thrilled that we will now be able to produce new expressions of these whiskies for new generations of people to enjoy.

 “Scotch whisky is Scotland’s gift to the world and the rebirth of these distilleries is a great gift to malt whisky lovers everywhere.”

 David Cutter, Diageo President of Global Supply & Procurement, who is responsible for leading the capital investment programme to reinstate the distilleries, said: “This is no ordinary Scotch whisky distillery investment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring these iconic distilleries back to life.

 “We will take great care to be true to the spirit of the original distilleries in everything we do and to operate them with all the knowledge, skill, craft and love of Scotch that our people and our company has gathered through centuries of whisky-making.”

 Cristina Diezhandino, Diageo’s global Scotch Category Director, said: “Brora and Port Ellen are rightly revered around the world for their rarity and exceptional quality. Everything we do with these distilleries and brands will remain true to these values.

“It is thrilling that, as the spirit from the original distilleries becomes vanishingly rare, our distillers at Brora and Port Ellen will be carefully crafting new whiskies to delight and inspire new generations of Scotch lovers around the world.”

The new Brora and Port Ellen distilleries will be among Diageo’s smallest distilleries, capable of producing 800,000 litres of alcohol per year. They will replicate as closely as possible the previous taste profiles of Port Ellen and Brora, with medium peated character at both sites.

 Subject to planning permission and regulatory consents, detailed design, construction and commissioning work, it is expected the distilleries will be in production by 2020.

50 YEARS OF A UNIQUE SPIRIT: INTRODUCING LOCH LOMOND 50 YEAR OLD  

Loch Lomond Distillery is to release its oldest and rarest single malt whisky.

Limited to 60 decanters worldwide, the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old celebrates generations of dedication and craftsmanship and marks the pinnacle of the Loch Lomond Whiskies collection.

Borne of a place of rare beauty where the Scottish Highlands meet the Lowlands, this expertly crafted single malt was distilled in 1967 in the distillery’s remarkable straight neck stills, drawn from a single cask and bottled at 46.2% abv.

It has been quietly maturing, first in American oak hogshead and then in European oak hogshead for half a century at Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, to create a whisky brimming with rich oak spice and tropical fruit, naturally deep amber in colour with beautiful clarity.

The distinctive nature of the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is testament to the innovative distillation techniques, explains John Peterson, Production Director at Loch Lomond Distillery: “Our straight neck pot stills were unique in 1966 when they were first installed, and they are still unique to this day, providing us with greater control over the quality and flavour profile of the spirit.”

Crafting the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old single malt has been the work of Loch Lomond Master Blender, Michael Henry. He said: “The expectations are high when you are working with a whisky as special and scarce as this and it came with great responsibility, but selecting and perfecting this single malt was a true honour.  Our stills are synonymous with the fruity notes they give to the whisky. The Loch Lomond 50 Year Old has been granted the time to truly concentrate that character, resulting in a rich, tropical fruit flavour.”

Each hand-blown crystal decanter encasing the Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is presented in a bespoke chest created by ‘architects of objects’, Method Studio in Scotland.  The husband and wife team, Callum Robinson and Marisa Giannasi drew inspiration from the drama, romance and kinetic energy of Loch Lomond itself to create ‘The Tempest Chest.’

Hand-shaped in solid oak, leather lined and indigo-dyed until almost black in colour, the tactile, sculpted surface of each individually numbered chest is suggestive of water at twilight, with only a solid brass key visible from the exterior, mysteriously emerging from the surface to build intrigue. Inside, the bottle of Loch Lomond 50 Year Old rests carefully upon sculpted oak waves, alongside not an ordinary whisky miniature, but a solid turned brass vial, lined in glass and reminiscent of the straight neck pot still.

Callum Robinson, Creative Director at Method Studio, said: “There are few distilleries named after a body of water as opposed to a place, and we drew great inspiration from Scotland’s most romantic, dramatic and historic loch. The Loch Lomond 50 Year Old is borne out of a truly mystical place of wood, fire, water and metal and our aim was to harness this energetic, elemental group of ingredients to create something unique, and worthy of its heritage.

“Each chest is designed to capture, in a three dimensional object, the mood and movement of moonlight dancing on tempestuous water. This is mirrored in the language of the hand-blown decanter and its beautifully faceted hand-cut base, perfectly binding the two together. It was a privilege to create a vessel to house something so precious.”

Loch Lomond is a very special part of the world and Loch Lomond Whiskies take their influence from the physical beauty of their unique location.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “For 50 years the Loch Lomond Distillery has been one of Scotland’s best kept secrets.  With the launch of the 50 Year Old single malt, we are putting Loch Lomond firmly on the Scotch whisky map and we are proud to become one of a very select few distilleries in the world which have released a 50 year old whisky.”

The Loch Lomond 50 Year Old limited edition is priced at £12,000 and will be available to buy in the UK at the most prestigious independent specialists including The Whisky Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies and Master of Malt from December 2017.  It will also be on offer in global markets, including Singapore, Taiwan, China, Japan and Travel Retail. It can be pre-ordered by contacting fifty@lochlomondgroup.com

For further information visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

LOCH LOMOND 50 YEAR OLD TASTING NOTES

NOSE – Heady oak spice of clove and cinnamon with sweeter notes of sultanas and raisins with creamy vanilla fudge.

TASTE – Silky mouthfeel rolls over the tongue. Intense vibrant tropical fruit, fresh pineapple and ripe banana with a honey sweetness.

FINISH – Warming stem ginger, bursts of gooseberry and elderflower and waves of tangy grapefruit citrus.

About the Loch Lomond Group:

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning spirit brands that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• www.lochlomondgroup.com

About the brands:

Loch Lomond Whiskies:

• Loch Lomond Distillery is linked to one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill distillery licensed in 1772.  In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.
• Lomond 12 Year Old has been awarded Gold Medal status at 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Other expressions in this collection are Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin:

• Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old has been awarded Gold Medal status at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition and 2016 World Whisky Awards
• Other expressions in this collection are Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 18 Year Old, Loch Lomond and Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish

Loch Lomond Inchmoan:

• There is a Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old and Loch Lomond Inchmoan 1992 Vintage.

Other brands from the Loch Lomond Group:

• Glen Scotia Single Malt Scotch whisky (www.glenscotia.com Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts)
• Littlemill Single Malt Scotch whisky (Twitter: @LittlemillMalt)
• Glengarry Single Malt Scotch whisky
• High Commissioner Blended Scotch whisky

·         Glen’s Vodka / Glen’s Platinum Vodka

STILL AUSTIN WHISKEY CO. OPENS ITS DOORS

Grain-to-Glass Whiskey Distillery Launches in Austin City Limits  

(Austin, TX) –Still Austin Whiskey Co. is now officially open in Austin, TX. They are a “grain-to-glass” distillery, producing craft whiskey made 100% from scratch using local ingredients.

Helmed by CEO, Chris Seals, and distillery co-founders, Sal and Joanna Salinas, Andrew and Lisa Braunberg and Cleveland and Carrol Seals, Still Austin Whiskey Co. mills, mashes, ferments, distills, barrels and bottles all of their spirits in-house at the distillery. Through their relationships with Texas farmers, Still Austin Whiskey Co. leverages the advantages of a diverse variety of local grains and the warm Central Texas climate to make whiskey. “Our commitment to a fully grain-to-glass approach symbolizes our desire to produce and deliver authentically crafted whiskeys to Austin,” said Seals.

The Still Austin Whiskey Co. team distills on a 42-foot customized bourbon still and specializes in Texas expressions of American craft whiskeys. At launch, they have introduced a portfolio of unaged New Make whiskeys including their Signature New Make Whiskey, which is distilled from white corn, red wheat and malted barley. Considered whiskey in its purest form, New Make is a term for whiskey taken straight from the still. Two other spirits are made by infusing the Signature New Make — Mother Pepper, a whiskey with chile pequin, smoked serrano and aji amarillo peppers, and Daydreamer, which highlights citrus notes from valencia, tangelo and bergamot citrus. All ingredients are sourced from Texas farmers and New Make whiskeys are neither sweetened nor artificially flavored.

Visitors to Still Austin Whiskey Co. can tour the distillery as well as taste and purchase spirits in the tasting room. The tasting room offers a cocktail program with drinks conceived by bar manager, Melody Plate. The Daisy Pepper, a cocktail made with Mother Pepper, lemon juice and brown sugar simple syrup, has a decidedly spicy kick. The refreshing Cucumber Basil Martini is composed of Signature New Make Whiskey with fresh cucumber and basil, lime juice and simple syrup. Guests can order from a full menu of libations or enjoy whiskey flights in the tasting room.

Hungry visitors can grab food from Puli-Ra, a new food trailer from chef Deepa Shridhar. Puli-Ra uniquely combines Indian spices and Texan flavors in offerings like samosa pies, roti tacos, lamb sliders and naan croissants. “Still Austin seemed like such a natural fit for us since they are dedicated to sourcing responsibly and locally,” said Shridhar. “Grain-to-glass is a concept that’s really important for us, plus it’s such a fun challenge to pair whiskeys and use their product in our cooking.” Expect to find Still Austin’s whiskey in dishes on Puli-Ra’s menu including whiskey pickles and a briskey roti taco made with smoked chai & whiskey-cured brisket.

Situated in the burgeoning Austin development, The Yard, on St. Elmo Road in South Austin, the 9,600 square-foot distillery has a decidedly communal feel. Designed by OPA Design Studio, the interior of Still Austin Whiskey Co. is at once industrial and intimate, centered around the towering 42-foot still made in Scotland by Forsyths, one of the most prestigious still makers in the world.

For those eager to be part of the Austin whiskey community, Still Austin Whiskey Co. offers several exclusive programs including a DYOB (Distill Your Own Barrel) program where groups can learn the craft of distilling whiskey directly from Still’s production team and join a community of Whiskey Geeks, an unofficial tasting panel that allows members to sample and give feedback.                                     

About: Still Austin Whiskey Co. is a grain-to-glass distillery dedicated to transforming simple grains into amazing spirits. Bold whiskey expressions are made by hand in their Austin, Texas distillery using ingredients provided by Texas farmers. Spirits are sold and served in their tasting room and will be available soon in bars, restaurants and liquor stores. Tasting room hours are Thursday & Friday: 1pm – 9pm, Saturday: Noon – 9pm and Sunday: Noon – 6p. Tours and tastings are $12 available Thursday & Friday: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, Saturday: 1m, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and Sunday: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm. For more information visit www.stillaustin.com. Visit on Facebook at Facebook.com/StillATX and follow on Instagram @Still_ATX

EARTH MOVING LAUNCH FOR TOMATIN 

Scotch whisky distiller, Tomatin, will this month launch its third expression in its popular Five Virtue Series – Earth.

The natural elements involved in its whisky production process has inspired Tomatin’s limited edition single malt series, Five Virtues: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The Wood and Fire expressions were well received when the Highland distiller launched them earlier this year, heightening anticipation for the Earth launch.

The Earth single malt has a distinct character, as a consequence of having been distilled with peat-dried malted barley; giving it richly intense and, unusually for Tomatin, peaty flavours. The Earth expression offers an alluring mix of vanilla, burning heather and black fruit aromas with sweet, light smoke on the palate.

Graham Eunson, Tomatin Distillery Manager, responsible for curating the Five Virtues collection, said: “The Earth expression is unique within the Five Virtues series – and indeed our entire range of single malts – because of its peaty profile. We only distil with peated barley for two weeks of every year and this spirit is never usually released under the Tomatin brand name.”

Jennifer Masson, Tomatin Distillery Marketing Manager, said: “Off the back of our incredibly successful Five Virtues launch, we are very excited to bring the third expression in this limited edition series, Earth, to the global market.

“The Wood and Fire expressions have been extremely well received in all of our international markets, with buyers eager to add Earth to their collection.”

To celebrate the launch of the third in the Five Virtues series, Tomatin have collaborated with Scottish adventure bloggers, North, and created the Tomatin Route 501 to give whisky fans an opportunity to bring to life their limited edition ‘Five Virtues’ series of whiskies through stunning Scottish landscapes that reflect the elements and names of the five single malt whiskies – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The adventure can be viewed here: www.tomatin.com/route501

The Tomatin Five Virtues series comes uniquely packaged in cartons adorned with contemporary art, created by Eva Ullrich. To mark the launch of the new Earth expression, Tomatin will exhibit all five of the stunning paintings by Eva Ullrich in a gallery within the distillery’s Still House.

Earth, the third expression in the Five Virtue Series will launch at the Whisky Exchange Show in London on 29 September 2017. It has a limited run of 6,000 bottles and can be enjoyed from specialist whisky retailers from 30 September 2017 at £49.99 for 70cl.

The final two expressions, Metal and Water, will be released early 2018. For additional information, please visit www.tomatin.com/5virtues.

Tomatin was awarded Distiller Of The Year 2016 and Brand Innovator Of The Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards. Tomatin currently ranks in the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA and is one of the fastest growing in the UK.

Notes:

Each of the Five Virtues malts comes with its own distinct complexity and character;

• Wood has been aged in French, American and Hungarian oak casks,
• Fire is matured in heavily charred oak, simulating fresh vanilla flavours.
• Earth exhibits rich and intense peaty flavours as a consequence of maturing in peat-dried malted barley casks.
• Metal is expressed by the distillery’s 12 beautiful copper stills.
• Water is distinguished by its naturally pure soft water from the Alt-na-Frith burn, which is drawn year round, but employs a winter-distilled spirit to enrich the final flavour.

Bringing the Five Virtues alive on Tomatin Route 501 (this site will go live on Friday 28^th September) – www.tomatin.com/route501

More information on the Tomatin Five Virtues – www.tomatin.com/5virtues

https://whiskyshow.com/london/

The Five Virtues of Route 501

Tomatin adds to the NC500 route

Tomatin Distillery have gone the extra mile giving the famous North Coast 500 route, Scotland’s No.1 coastal adventure, a unique whisky theme.

They have created the Tomatin Route 501 to give whisky fans an opportunity to bring to life their limited edition ‘Five Virtues’ series of whiskies and it takes in stunning Scottish landscapes that reflect the elements and names of the five single malt whiskies – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

To mark the launch of the Tomatin Route 501 this week, the Highland distillery challenged North Blog adventurer Tristan Cameron-Harper to experience and capture the best of the new route.

Adding a stop to his NC500 journey, with a visit to the Tomatin Distillery for a tour and tasting session, the explorer sampled whisky at some of Scotland’s most picturesque locations and embarked on a series of challenges along the North Coast 500 to celebrate Tomatin’s Five Virtues whisky series.

Inspired by the five natural elements involved in its production process, the Five Virtues series includes the Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water editions. North blogger Cameron-Harper engaged with each of these elements at some of Scotland’s most famous beauty spots, including: Inverewe Gardens, Kildonan Burn, Smoo Cave and Fairy Glen Falls.

A deep-rooted love for the Scottish landscape and taste for adventure, makes Cameron-Harper perfectly suited to explore Scotland’s wealth of natural elements, in order to understand their intrinsic importance to the whisky making process.

Referred to as Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, the route has attracted an additional 29,000 visitors and an additional £29 million in its first year to the Highlands. 2016 saw a record 1.7 million people visit distilleries north of the border, with the largest proportion of visitors coming from Germany, Scotland and other parts of the UK, the USA and France.

Jennifer Masson, Tomatin Marketing Manager, said, “We’re incredibly excited to have Tristan launch the Tomatin Route 501 project. We think that his insatiable thirst for adventure in the natural world, and our expert handling of these natural elements, are representative of the perfect marriage distilled in each of the Five Virtues single malt expressions.”

She added, “Scotland was recently voted the world’s most beautiful country and we hope that visitors will follow our alternative Route 501 and experience some of the country’s idyllic scenery, as well as its most famous export.”

To celebrate the complexity of flavours embodied by each distinct expression in the whisky series, Cameron-Harper engaged in a number of exciting challenges, including glassblowing and panning for gold.

Speaking about his travels on the North Coast 500, adventurer Tristan Cameron-Harper expressed the profound effect the landscape had on his experience of Tomatin’s single-malts: “Being able to interact with the Scottish landscape while enjoying a nip of one of the Five Virtue whiskies, adds a whole new level to the whisky tasting experience. It heightens your appreciation of the whisky itself, bringing out a range of tasting notes and complexity of character I’ve never before experienced.”

The first two expressions in the limited edition Five Virtues series, ‘Wood’ and ‘Fire’ are available now from all specialist whisky retailers, and can be enjoyed at the price of £49.99. The third expression will be made available from the 29^th of September, with the final expressions ‘Metal’ and ‘Water’ to be released early 2018.

Tomatin was awarded Distiller Of The Year 2016 and Brand Innovator Of The Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards. Tomatin currently ranks in the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA and is one of the fastest growing in the UK.

Notes:

Each of the Five Virtues malts comes with its own distinct complexity and character:

• Wood has been aged in French, American and Hungarian oak casks,
• Fire is matured in heavily charred oak, simulating fresh vanilla flavours.
• Earth exhibits rich and intense peaty flavours as a consequence of maturing in peat-dried malted barley casks.
• Metal is expressed by the distillery’s 12 beautiful copper stills.
• Water is distinguished by its naturally pure soft water from the Alt-na-Frith burn, which is drawn year round, but employs a winter-distilled spirit to enrich the final flavour.

Eighth Generation Beam Family Member Freddie Noe Introduces Annual Limited Release Series, Little Book™ Whiskey

Clermont, KY (September 20, 2017) – The Beam family is proud to officially announce the launch of Little Book™, the first and highly anticipated product release from Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam family member and son of current Beam master distiller, Fred Noe. The debut of Little Book marks an exciting step forward for the next generation of Beam family whiskey makers.

Named after the childhood nickname given to Freddie by his grandfather, legendary master distiller, Booker Noe, Little Book™ is an annual, limited release series that will feature a new and unique blend each year, presented uncut and unfiltered1. Guiding each year’s release will be Freddie’s passion for crafting high-quality, interesting blends different from anything else on the market.

“I’m humbled and honored to share Little Book with the world,” said Freddie, who currently serves as the distillery’s fermentation manager. “When I joined the family business five years ago, I told Dad I wanted to learn everything there was to know about making whiskey. Along the way, I discovered I’m particularly fascinated by the endless taste profiles that can be created through blending. I’m excited for whiskey fans to taste the first batch of this annual release, and I look forward to sharing new, one-of-a-kind blends every year. It’s a real honor to carry on my family’s legacy, and I hope I’ve done them proud.”

The inaugural batch release of Little Book, called Little Book “The Easy,” draws inspiration from what the Beam family is known for – great bourbon whiskey. Little Book “The Easy” is a blended straight whiskey that features four unique components: uncut and unfiltered1 corn, rye and malt whiskies – representative of the three grains commonly found in a bourbon mashbill (or recipe) – balanced with uncut, unfiltered1 Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Creating the final liquid for Little Book “The Easy” was a labor of love for Freddie, who worked on the final recipe for over a year and tried more than 25 different blends of the liquid before he decided that it was just right and worthy of his debut release.

“It’s exciting to watch my son, Freddie, follow in the family footsteps and share his passion for blending with the release of Little Book,” said Fred Noe. “My dad, Booker, and I used to always say that if Freddie ever decided to join the family business, his distinct palate and nose, along with his eagerness to learn, would take him far. Freddie’s coming into his own as part of the next generation of whiskey makers, and I couldn’t be more proud to support him as he launches his first product.”

Bottled uncut at its natural proof, Little Book “The Easy” is meant to be just that – easy to enjoy however you like it best, whether that’s neat, over ice or with a splash of water. Little Book “The Easy” was blended by Freddie Noe and developed with the following characteristics:

• Blend Overview:
  4-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey
  13-year-old corn whiskey
  About 6-year-old 100% malt whiskey
  About 6-year-old high-rye whiskey
• Proof: 128.2
• Tasting Notes: Little Book “The Easy” leads with caramel and oak notes, then moves into flavors of toasted nuts and hints of corn grain. The finish is long and packed with peppery rye, making this liquid approachable and easy to enjoy.
• Sipping Suggestions: Neat, over ice or with a splash of water.

Little Book “The Easy” will be available nationwide beginning in October in limited quantities with a Suggested Retail Price of $79.99 for a 750mL bottle.

For more information about Little Book Whiskey, visit http://www.beamsuntory.com/brands/little-book

About Little Book™
Little Book™ is the first-ever product release from Freddie Noe, eighth generation Beam family member, son of seventh generation Beam master distiller, Fred Noe, and grandson of legendary Beam master distiller, Booker Noe. An annual, limited release series, Little Book will feature new and unique blends each year that bring to life Freddie’s passion for blending and his curiosity for the limitless tastes that can be achieved through the process. Each blend will be uncut and unfiltered1 to allow the nuanced taste profiles to shine through and fans to enjoy it the way they choose.

In 2017, Freddie introduced his inaugural batch of Little Book, called Little Book™ “The Easy,” and he will continue to carry on his family tradition of innovation in the industry by creating new releases for Little Book each year, always with the goal of developing new and interesting blends.

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.

DISCOVER A RARE FIND WITH THE LEGENDS OF THE GARIOCH EXPERIENCE

Rarely can the characteristics of a place and its people have been so masterfully bottled.

A rare find indeed.

UNIQUE LOCATION Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in ancient Doric dialect) has been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen in North East Scotland, since 1797.

The beautiful and richly fertile land has been famed for centuries as the ‘Granary of Aberdeenshire’, known for producing the finest barley in all of Scotland.

With rolling hills and crystal springs filled with the purest of waters so crucial to whisky production, it’s easy to see why this site was chosen for one of the country’s very first distilleries.

For more than 200 years, Glen Garioch has been handcrafting a small but perfectly formed range of natural, non chill-filtered single malt whiskies.

The distillery remains at the heart of the community and stays true to the original charm of the Highlands, our local staff brimming with passion for the fine whisky they make and offering a warm welcome to all.

AN EVENTFUL PAST Founded in 1797 by John and Alexander Manson, Glen Garioch has stood the test of time, overcoming changes in ownership, droughts and war. With stunning views to Bennachie, lush land, crystal clear spring water and its close proximity to Aberdeen, Oldmeldrum was the perfect site for two young brothers to build their distillery and write their own chapter in Scotch history.

A MAGICAL PLACE TO BE It’s true what they say – you can never fully enjoy a dram of Glen Garioch until you have seen how and where it’s made. Glen Garioch is made the same way today as it has always been. The Glen Garioch Brand Home Experience offers visitors the opportunity to experience time-honoured skills at work; to touch and smell the natural ingredients used in its production; to hear from the master craftsmen involved and finally, to taste the fruit of their labours.

THE LEGENDS OF THE GARIOCH EXPERIENCE Glen Garioch®, one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries is launching an inspirational half-day experience which will focus on their unique location, eventful past and the legends who helped influence Glen Garioch as it is today.

This in-depth experience begins in the historic market town of Oldmeldrum, before delving into the heart of the Valley of the Garioch where the distillery takes its name. This voyage of discovery allows you to explore first-hand the the beautiful and richly fertile land of Oldmeldrum which has been famed for centuries as the ‘Granary of Aberdeenshire’ known for producing the finest barley in Scotland.

With over 200 years of experience in producing single malt Scotch whisky, this unique experience pays homage to the distillery’s long standing tradition of craftsmanship and the charm and passion of the people who make it.

Back at the Glen Garioch Distillery, the connoisseur’s journey includes a visit to some normally unseen parts of the distillery and an exclusive tasting of the single cask, limited release and archive portfolio.

Having followed in the footsteps of Glen Garioch’s founders, this rare experience will conclude with a specially selected regional lunch and whisky pairing, served in the unique setting of the 800 year old Whisky Cave Bar at Meldrum House Country House Hotel. The menu has been created to showcase the quality of produce from the region and to complement and enhance the Glen Garioch story and flavour profile.

Available from 2nd October 2017 at an exclusive price of £120 pp. Over 18s only. Please book one week in advance. Minimum two guests for this experience.

To find out more please visit www.glengarioch.com/visitor-centre or email visitor.centre@glengarioch.com.

www.glengarioch.com

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Notes:  

ABOUT GLEN GARIOCH

One of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland – and its most easterly – Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the ancient Doric dialect still spoken in these parts) has been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen in North East Scotland, ever since 1797. Shielded from the world’s prying eyes, deep in the fertile ‘Granary of Aberdeenshire’, and only ever produced in small, precious batches, Glen Garioch is a rare find indeed, but warmly appreciated by those who like a hearty Highland malt, non chill-filtered malt as nature intended, with a wholesome maltiness, honeyed sweetness and delicious creamy texture to savour.  

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.