EDINBURGH EATERY CROWNED SCOTTISH RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

Restaurant The Dining Room at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society collects prestigious award at The AA Hospitality Awards

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s restaurant The Dining Room in Edinburgh (www.thediningroomedinburgh.co.uk/) has been named as Restaurant of the Year for Scotland at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards in London.

The Dining Room restaurant, situated on the first floor of the Society’s 28 Queen Street venue, was praised for its superb service and the culinary brilliance of head chef James Freeman and his team.

The Dining Room’s menu combines seasonal local ingredients, inventive cooking and traditional fine dining. Dishes include fillet of hake and langoustine with courgette and yellow pepper stew; and ballotine of Gartmorn farm duck with fermented rhubarb and red onion with duck consommé.

Past winners of the Restaurant of the Year for Scotland award include Inver in Loch Fyne, The Gannet in Glasgow and Timberyard in Edinburgh.

A member of the AA Hospitality Awards judging panel said: “The Dining Room at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society offers a dining experience steeped in French classicism.”

The restaurant was relaunched in the summer of 2016 as part of a makeover of the Society’s Georgian townhouse at 28 Queen Street. This saw the Dining Room moved from the ground floor to the first floor and take on a bright new contemporary look and expanded capacity. The ground floor is now home to the Society’s Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar.

The Dining Room also features an exclusive Charles Heidsieck Champagne Table, where groups of four or more can match five different expressions from the highly regarded champagne house with a specially designed five-course meal.

In January, The Dining Room was awarded two AA rosettes, while in April the 28 Queen Street venue won overall Special Award in The List Magazine’s annual Eating & Drinking Guide. The restaurant previously earned a 10/10 review from The Herald’s restaurant reviewer Joanna Blythman.

Commenting on the success, Venue Manager, Francois Guillemet, said: “Winning Restaurant of the Year for Scotland is a huge achievement for us and I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved.

“James Freeman is a superb inventive chef who has been creating amazing food here and has gone from strength to strength since we relaunched last year. Our team work tirelessly to achieve the highest standards of food, drink and service that has earned us this award and we look forward to continuing to wow our customers.”

Head chef, James Freeman, added: “This award is a huge honour for me personally and my team at The Dining Room. I have been at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society since 2004 and have worked hard to create innovative dishes using quality, local produce, so to see the restaurant recognised in this way is extremely rewarding.”

In celebration of the award, The Dining Room is running a special promotion until the end of October featuring a three-course A la carte dinner with a glass of Charles Heidsieck champagne or dram for £45.

 http://www.thediningroomedinburgh.co.uk/

http://www.smws.com/

@SMWSQueenStreet @smwsuk #smws

www.facebook.com/TheDiningRoomAtTheScotchMaltWhiskySociety

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 134 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers different levels of membership
  • Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122
  • Member at £61.50 – without gift box
  • Visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership
• For more information about the Society, visit http://www.smws.com/

Johnnie Walker Launches Limited Edition Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut

Thirty-five years on from being the spirit of choice in cult sci-fi classic Blade Runner, Johnnie Walker Black Label returns to the big screen in its highly-anticipated sequel Blade Runner 2049.

Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is a limited-edition Scotch Whisky created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge in collaboration with visionary filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. The experimental blend is inspired by Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, and is presented in a futuristic bottle.  With trademark smokiness and a contemporary twist, Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is a rich smooth blend with aromatic and vanilla flavours and is bottled at 49% ABV as a nod to the futuristic period in which the film is set.

 Commenting on the launch, Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge said,

 “What we have created in Johnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut is something really special that fans will be able to relate to and whisky drinkers will love. I was truly inspired by Villeneuve’s artistic vision for Blade Runner 2049 and how it could come to life in this new blend. I learned that filmmaking is much like blending – you have to constantly be committed to creating the best possible outcome.”

 “Johnnie Walker blending tradition dates back to 1820 and I’m honoured to carry on the legacy and collective memory of our other past blenders to ensure that the same whisky enjoyed today can be enjoyed responsibly in 2049.”

DEWAR’S REINFORCES ITS DEDICATION TO AGE STATEMENTS BY INTRODUCING DEWAR’S 25 YEARS OLD FINISHED IN ROYAL BRACKLA CASKS

26^th September 2017 – DEWAR’S®, the world’s most awarded blended Scotch whisky is proud to announce the launch of DEWAR’S 25 Years Old.

The new addition to the DEWAR’S portfolio will succeed DEWAR’S Signature (no-age statement) as a part of DEWAR’S dedication and commitment to age statements across its premium range of blended Scotch whiskies.

A meticulous search of the cask inventory revealed an intriguing array of fine aged malt and grain Scotch whiskies aged 25 years and older. Each cask was individually sampled and assessed by Master Blender, Stephanie MacLeod before being chosen. Once MacLeod was satisfied that she had a perfectly balanced flavour profile in the DEWAR’S House Style, the specially selected casks were blended together and then filled into oak casks for an additional period of maturation, a process pioneered by DEWAR’s, known as double-ageing, to add more depth and enriched smoothness.

During this extra period of maturation, the disparate characters of the malts and grains are allowed to interact with one another and mellow further. In an extra step unique to the new 25-year-old expression, the whisky was then filled into a set of freshly disgorged ROYAL BRACKLA® casks for an extra period of finishing.

According to MacLeod, “DEWAR’S 25 is endlessly smooth, rich and elegant. Awakened on the palate: the sophisticated whisky is glorious in its harmony and balance, gently revealing layers of rich fruit, floral notes and delicate honey, with a hint of smoke to finish.”

Fraser Campbell, Global Ambassador for DEWAR’S comments “Disclosing the ages of our blends allows discerning whisky drinkers to choose an expression with a maturity and flavour profile that matches their own character preferences. DEWAR’S remains committed to age statements as a sign of craftsmanship and quality. In a world where aged stock is increasingly rare, we are proud to display an age on the front of our bottles”.

The age statements that DEWAR’S proudly proclaim on its bottles are not merely numbers; they’re

a guarantee of the age of the youngest whisky found within the blend. Each bottle’s age statement is an assurance that it holds an authentic and precious piece of time-honoured taste.

According to the latest reports from the IWSR, DEWAR’S is the fastest growing premium blended Scotch in the world, defying current global Scotch trends. DEWAR’S is also the world’s most awarded blended Scotch with medals for quality, taste and innovation to-date. Adding to the vast list of awards to support this, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old has been crowned best blended Scotch (under 21 years) at the International Spirits Challenge 2017.

DEWAR’S 25 Years Old is bottled at 40% ABV and priced at $225. The new expression will be available from October 2017 in Global Travel Retail followed by a gradual roll-out into key domestic markets.

http://www.dewars.com/

Notes: 

About DEWAR’S Blended Scotch Whisky 

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, DEWAR’S has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Scotland, to one of the largest Scotch whisky brands in the world. Best known for its iconic DEWAR’S White Label, it has expanded its family to create a portfolio of premium and super premium whiskies including DEWAR’S 12 Years Old, DEWAR’S 15 Years Old, DEWAR’S 18 Years Old, the new exclusive DEWAR’S 25 Years Old. These whiskies are crafted using the DEWAR’S oak marrying ageing process. Pioneered by DEWAR’S in 1899, it involves returning the hand-crafted blend to vintage oak casks for further maturation. The result is a smoother taste with a long, lingering finish; a taste that wins medals and applause, making DEWAR’S the world’s most awarded blended Scotch. The DEWAR’S® and ROYAL BRACKLA brands are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.http://www.dewars.com/

World War Two whisky amongst rarest in the world

Seventy-year-old Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail commemorates key date in wartime history 

An exceptionally rare wartime cask from 1943 has been unveiled as one of the oldest and most exclusive single malt whiskies in the world.

The Elgin-based malt whisky specialists today (2nd October 2017) announced the release of Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail , the latest offering in its ‘ Private Collection’ range. Only forty decanters will be available for sale globally, with a UK RRP of £30,000.

A small number of decanters will be available from Gordon & MacPhail’s historic retail shop in Elgin. Those purchasing a decanter at the South Street ‘spiritual home’ will also enjoy an exclusive tasting experience included in their purchase. Distilled on 14 January 1943, a crucial date in the history of World War Two, the new-make spirit was filled into a carefully selected Sherry hogshead at the renowned Speyside distillery. The release of Cask 121 also represents the last 1943 vintage from the Gordon & MacPhail stock inventory.

As the bung was being hammered into place in Cask 121, a world away in North Africa, Prime Minister Winston Churchill met President Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Charles de Gaulle, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Casablanca Conference. The meeting discussed Allied strategy for the war in Europe. Historians came to view this meeting as critically important to the fate of the world for generations to come.

By the winter of 1943, the war had severely curtailed production of whisky in Scotland. Prices and duty were on the rise and rationing meant raw ingredients were in increasingly short supply. In fact, many Scottish distilleries were closed after October 1942; The Glenlivet Distillery itself halted production in the Spring of 1943. Mature whiskies from this period were in great demand so, by the late 1940s and early 1950s, available casks were extremely limited.

Rich chestnut brown in colour, Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail is a whisky of great balance and approachability. A full, fresh flavour of dark chocolate, oranges, and oakiness intermingles with treacle and liquorice and culminates with a subtle, ashy smokiness and an incredibly long finish.

Founded in 1895 in Elgin, Scotland, Gordon & MacPhail is the custodian of many of the oldest and rarest single malts in the world with an unrivalled stock inventory. The fourth generation of the Urquhart family uphold the same traditions and dedication to whisky maturation as the generations that came before them.

In 1943, Cask 121 was selected by John and George Urquhart, first and second generation of the Urquhart family, for filling at the Glenlivet Distillery. Stephen Rankin, a director of the company and John Urquhart’s great-grandson, made the decision to bottle it.

Stephen Rankin said: “This beautiful whisky has been nurtured and cared for by four generations of our family and it gives us enormous pleasure to release this unique and incredibly rare single malt.

“Gordon & MacPhail has been in the whisky business for over 122 years, with each generation building and handing on a lifetime’s expertise to the next. We believe Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail is a malt without comparison from a defining date in the history of a world in conflict.

“Today, whisky is a wonderfully unifying drink and this rare example gives people from across the world the chance to own and savour a defining piece of Scotland’s liquid history.”

Whisky writer and rare whisky specialist Jonny McCormick said: “Gordon & MacPhail is a singular whisky company emphasised by their incomparable capacity to draw on stocks from the 1940s. This is an unparalleled opportunity to acquire an exquisite whisky that embodies the concept of rarity. The remarkable complexity and vivid flavours that have developed over a lifetime in wood ensure this single malt Scotch whisky will make a handsome addition to the world’s finest whisky collections.”

Every detail of Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail alludes to the decades of experience and patience poured into nurturing the whisky to maturation.

The meandering River Spey provides a unique closure to the handcrafted wooden box. Hand blown and bespoke, the decanter itself is adorned with gold engravings of the contours of the land surrounding the Glenlivet Distillery.

Accompanied by a visually atmospheric commemorative book, written by whisky author Jonny McCormick, each decanter is individually numbered with a certificate of authenticity signed by Stephen Rankin, director and member of the Urquhart family.

Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail was matured in a first-fill Sherry hogshead for seventy years. Only forty decanters, bottled at cask strength (49.1 ABV), have been released for sale worldwide. A limited number are available for purchase directly from the company’s ‘spiritual home’, the South Street Retail Shop, at an RRP of £30,000. Prices may differ in international markets due to local taxes and duty.

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

#tastethehistory

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of maturing the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully nurtured relationships with Scottish distillers. These included The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Glen Grant, Linkwood, and Mortlach in Speyside as well as a number of other distilleries from across Scotland. From the beginning, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks. These casks are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. 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.

The Glenlivet Distillery 

George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet Distillery, came from a long line of illicit distillers. In 1817, Smith leased land at Upper Drumin Farm where he continued the family tradition to supplement his crofter’s wage. In 1823, the Excise Act was pushed through Parliament championed by the Duke of Gordon – Smith’s landlord. Gordon not only persuaded Smith to take out the first licence in the parish of Glenlivet but he also contributed to the distillery build at Drumin. This distillery would produce a spirit that defined Speyside whisky of its day.

Due to the success and popularity of the Glenlivet Distillery, several distilleries in the region appended the name Glenlivet to their own. In 1884, a landmark decision ruled that only Smith’s single malt could call itself ‘The Glenlivet’.

Rise in Diageo distillery visits as Scotch Whisky Association reports record levels of Scotch tourism

As the Scotch Whisky Association reveals that a record 1.7 million tourists visited scotch distilleries last year, Diageo sees strongest growth in tourists visiting from China and Russia, increasing up to 154%

Today the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has announced its latest tourism figures to scotch distilleries. The figures indicate that a record 1.7 million tourists visited scotch distilleries last year, up almost 8% on 2015.  Scotch’s reputation for superb quality and distinctive flavour continues to win over new fans from around the globe, as tourists come to sample the world’s favourite whisky and Scotland’s fastest growing export.

At Diageo distilleries, figures show China and Russia as the fastest growing markets in ‘scotch tourism’. With over 400,000 people visiting a Diageo distillery in the last 12 months alone, more than double what it was eight years ago, the number of Chinese visitors has also grown 154% in admissions and revenue. While Chinese tourist numbers remain fewer than those from Germany, USA and France (the top three tourist markets), Chinese spend per head is nearly a third higher.

On the ground in China the trend continues, with over a hundred new whisky bars or collector’s clubs opening in the country in the last year. The heritage, provenance and craft credentials of scotch are important factors in locals’ love of the liquid, with Chinese consumers showing a thirst for whisky knowledge and a desire to refine their appreciation.

 Diageo figures also highlight Russia as an emerging scotch tourist market, with admissions and revenues from Russian tourists at Diageo distilleries up 146% year on year and the average spend per Russian tourist similar to that of the Chinese.

Diageo Scotland Director, Ewan Andrew, said: “Scotch is not only Scotland’s most valuable export industry, it is the world’s most popular spirit, attracting thousands of international visitors to Scotland every year. The Scotch Whisky Association’s latest annual survey found that visits have increased by almost a quarter since 2010.

 “As demand for premium products and interest in scotch grows in China and Russia, tourists from these countries are visiting distilleries not only to purchase whisky straight from the distillery, but to discover the expertise and craft that goes into making every bottle.”

Crown Royal reminds football fans that moderation and hydration on game day is always a good play

With the launch of its newest responsible drinking initiative – “Hydrate Generously” – Crown Royal is proud to dedicate 100% of ad spend to promote game day moderation and reward fans’ responsible consumption with charitable contributions.

DUTCH SPIRITS UNVEILS NEW LOOK AND FEEL FOR OLD SAMUEL BOURBON AS IT EYES INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

Leading Dutch distiller, Dutch Spirits, plans to take full advantage of the current global Bourbon Boom by unveiling a new packaging for its Old Samuel range as it looks to increase the brand’s global availability.

Old Samuel is sporting a new, sleek, black packaging for its Bourbon Reserve and four liqueurs: Honey, Cherry, Cinnamon and Almond flavours. The new, eye-catching packaging reflects the liquid’s quality. It will also enable the award-winning bourbon to stand out

on shelves while confidently competing with other brands of the category. Each label of the range is colour-coded to create cohesion but also distinction between the various styles.

The move is also accompanied by a 40% production increase YOY, as the brand, which is currently available in the UK, has already secured major listings in Holland and Poland and is looking to expand outside Europe.

Andy Mallows, Dutch Spirits’ MD comments: “Bourbon is having its moment and it is a good opportunity for us to increase the reach of our Old Samuel brand. It has been doing extremely well in the UK and we are keen to introduce it to other markets worldwide. The liquid is award-winning and the brand packaging had to evolve to reflect its quality. We are now confident that it will appeal to bourbon-lovers worldwide”.

The new Old Samuel packaging is being rolled-out globally from September onwards.

Notes:

Dutch Spirits (formerly known as Toorank) is a family-owned distiller based in Zevenaar, Holland, has over 25 years’ experience within the spirits category and was founded by Metaxa in 1978. The company currently supplies four key markets, Holland, UK, USA and Poland and trades in 50 markets worldwide.

Dutch Spirits’ workforce is over 100 strong and its two main production facilities are in Holland and Poland and they currently have the capacity to produce 90 million bottles per year. Its Dutch base in Zevenaar was chosen due to its proximity to a pure water source – an essential ingredient to all its drinks. Filtered through fine sand and stone layers, the water comes directly from the surrounding hills, which were formed during the last ice age. The soft and crystal-clear water comes from a well with a depth of 200 metres.

Dutch Spirits currently has its own portfolio of brands, including the super-premium Sloane’s Premium Dry Gin and produces a further 1,300 products in partnership with over 225 clients.

Over the last ten years, the company’s portfolio has received over 266 medals in the International Wine and Spirits Competition including six ‘Gold Best in Class’, four ‘Gold’, 15 ‘Silver Best in Class’ and 27 ‘Silver’ awards.

http://www.dutchspirits.com/

What’s On – Drams and Dining at Tor Na Coille Hotel

Event:                            Tor Na Coille Whisky Tasting Dinner

Venue:                           Tor Na Coille Hotel, Inchmarlo Road, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB314AB

Date and time:          Friday 6th October 2017; 7 for 7.30pm

Price:                             £45 per person

Booking:                       info@tornacoille.com or 01330 822242

As the nights draw in, there’s nothing better than a good dram to keep you warm. So why not visit the Tor Na Coille hotel in Banchory for a night celebrating the amber nectar – alongside the region’s finest fare?

After a Bruadar whisky liqueur welcome drink, you’ll enjoy a delicious three course meal, cooked up by Tor Na Coille’s award-winning chefs. Drawing upon Deeside’s unparalleled larder, each course will perfectly complement the whiskies on offer.

Alongside your meal, you will sample three sumptuous whiskies: an Old Perth sherry cask blended malt, a Big Strand Islay single malt, and a Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Speyside 1991 sherry butt cask-strength malt. And, of course, you’ll be free to peruse the hotel bar’s fantastic selection of malts after dinner.

At just £45 per person, this is a great opportunity to sample whiskies discovering the subtle – and sometimes not so subtle – differences between the regions. Call 01330 822242 or email info@tornacoille.com for more information and to book.

BALLANTINE’S INVITES THE WORLD TO OPEN WHAT’S NEVER BEEN OPENED BEFORE WITH ITS NEW SINGLE MALT SERIES 

Ballantine’s, the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world, takes an innovative move into the Single Malts category, with the launch of three new Single Malts.

Always known for doing things differently, Ballantine’s will give consumers a unique opportunity to experience the flavour of the three signature malts that form the heart of Ballantine’s whisky. The Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers Single Malts are all aged 15 years old and stay true to the Ballantine’s brand whilst retaining their own distinct personalities:

• Glenburgie forms the heart of Ballantine’s whisky character, delivering concentrated fruitiness and honeyed sweetness. Perfectly balanced, with aromas of soft red apples and pears, this whisky has a full and velvety texture and a long, round finish
• Miltonduff is the foundation of Ballantine’s whisky character bringing warmth and power. Floral with a subtle hint of cinnamon spice, this whisky is extremely smooth with gentle liquorice flavours and a long, warm finish
• Glentauchers delivers the smooth and delicate lingering finish of Ballantine’s. With hints of delicate floral heather on the nose and soft berries and barley sugar sweets on the palate, this whisky has an incredibly long, luscious finish

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director comments: “The Single Malts category is dynamic and continues to grow rapidly as more consumers become lovers of this iconic Scottish spirit.

“As a globally known brand, we are sure that consumers will have confidence in the quality and credibility of these new Single Malts as they are widely recognised as the signature malts that form the heart of Ballantine’s,” adds Moore. “Ballantine’s has never been one to pick the obvious route – we do things differently and create our own path to success. All of this is core to the Ballantine’s brand and our launch of three new Single Malts is yet another example of celebrating and staying true to our roots.”

As consumers taste the individual flavour profiles of Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers, they will discover over 190 years of heritage and tradition born in the historic Speyside region of Scotland.

Taiwan, the 4th largest whisky market by value and the most vibrant Single Malt market in the world, is the first country to officially launch the Ballantine’s Single Malts Series. From 23 September to 1 October, consumers in Taiwan will be able to learn about its ‘stay true’ heritage and innovative spirit through an interactive experience in the heart of Taipei. Through this experience they will be among the first to taste the three unique flavours of the Ballantine’s Single Malts.

The Ballantine’s Single Malt Series is bottled at 40% ABV and available to purchase in domestic markets at an RRP of $56 USD and in Travel Retail Asia for 70cl bottle ($80 USD Litre equivalent).

 The release of the series is a testament to the spirit of George Ballantine and the remarkable people, places and events that have been part of the brand since 1827.

Tasting Notes: 

The Glenburgie Single Malt

• Nose: Perfectly balanced with aromas of sweet soft red apples and blackcurrant. Allied with this is wonderful honeycomb candy sweetness.
• Taste: Full and creamy with a velvety smooth texture (honey). This whisky is bursting with fruity sweet orange flavours.
• Finish: Very long, sweet and round.

The Miltonduff Single Malt

• Nose: Rich fruity and sweet. Flavours of peaches in syrup, juicy sweet orange and creamy soft toffee with a hint of toasted almonds.
• Taste: Sweet scented floral flavours. Extremely smooth with milk chocolate flavours and hints of cinnamon spice, cloves and liquorice root in the background.
• Finish: Very long, warm and sweet.

The Glentauchers Single Malt

• Nose: Bursting with sweet citrus fruit flavours (tangerine and sweet clementine) with hazelnut notes and a hint of delicate floral heather coming through the background.
• Taste: Coats the mouth with smooth, soft berry flavours of raspberry and blackcurrant, combined with a tantalising taster of barley sugar sweets.
• Finish: Incredibly long and luscious. 

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

@Ballantines

About Chivas Brothers

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

www.chivasspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

Just landed… Kings County Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey  

Voted by the American Distilling Institute as 2016 distillery of the year, Kings County Distillery is New York City’s oldest operating whiskey distillery, the first since Prohibition. Kings County is among the very first craft distillers to release a style of whiskey that can be considered the highest class of American whiskey.

Bottled-in-bond is a designation that refers to American whiskeys (and some brandies) that are distilled, aged, and bottled entirely at one distillery, from barrels filled in one season, by one distiller. Furthermore, the whiskey must be four years old and bottled at precisely 100 proof. In the old days, this was a way to protect the consumer from brands that were merely bottling up whiskey from other distilleries and blending or adulterating that whiskey.

In an era when consumers still sometimes have a hard time knowing exactly where their whiskeys actually come from, bottled-in-bond best expresses the advantages Kings County enjoys by making all their whiskey in-house from grain to bottle. Kings County Bottled-in-Bond was released to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897; it’s smooth, bold, spicy and complex with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper and vanilla.

Kings County is distributed in the UK by Amathus Drinks PLC. For more information, please contact holly@amathusdrinks.com.