.Forget cheese and wine, enjoy a dram with your cheese board

Pairing the award-winning cheese and whisky of the Isle of Arran

As we head into winter and the days get shorter, one thing is certain; cheese knives around the country will be dusted off for the forthcoming seasonal indulgence. Before you reach for your favourite bottle of plonk, however, it could be time for a change.

The award-winning Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers have produced three cask matured whiskies which will liven up any cheese board.

First up is the bold Arran Malt Port Finish (£42.99). After initially maturing in traditional oak casks for approximately eight years, The Arran Single Malt is finished in a selection of Port casks sourced from an artisan producer of the Portuguese fortified wine.

The end result is a Single Malt full of charm, complexity and quality. Left to rest amongst the rich flavours of the Port-infused oak cask, this scotch is packed full of the wintery tastes of cinnamon, baked apples and plums – ideal for Christmas parties.

And it is the perfect bedfellow for the strong, yet sweet flavoured Caramelised Onion Cheese (£4.50), produced by the distillery’s neighbours; The Island Cheese Company. This slow matured Scottish Cheddar is combined with Arran Fine Foods’ Caramelised Onion. Its sweetness balances the rich fruity full flavoured Port Cask Finish.

The room falls silent as the dangerously drinkable Amarone Cask Finish (£42.99) enters the festivities. As the name suggests, this offering sees Arran’s Single Malt soaking up the characteristics of the full bodied Italian red, made using partially dried Corvina grapes, Rondinella grapes and Molinara.

An altogether sweeter partner, it compliments Arran’s inherently citrusy taste and therefore is in need of a cheese that packs a hint of sharpness. Time for a taste of Crushed Stem Ginger Flavoured Cheddar (£4.50). The nip of ginger in this slow matured cheese is just enough to balance the light and fruity Amarone flavours.

Prefer a lighter dram? Introducing the Arran Malt Sauternes Finish (£42.99). Aged with the legendary Bordeaux sweet white wine it has an initial hint of acacia honey, which then opens up to apricots, bananas and pears.

A dessert in a glass, with a floral elegance. You’ll need a bolder cheese to take on the ever so delicate honeyed sweetness. Oak Smoked Cheddar provides that balance. A deliciously creamy cheddar, smoked slowly over oak whisky barrel shavings, it packs the punch needed to compliment the fruity sweetness in the Sauternes Finish Single Malt.

James McTaggart, Arran’s Master Distiller, said: “We’re really proud of the results of our whisky which is married with wine casks. Whisky purists should rest assured, as we always closely monitor the secondary maturation process, to ensure the perfect balance is struck between the casks and the intrinsic sweet-fruity character of The Arran Malt.”

For something extra why not try a taste of a cheese inspired by the Arran Malt itself? Infused with the Arran Lochranza Reserve, the Arran Whisky Cheddar (£4) shares the fresh and light tones of dram itself.

Arran Whisky is available from arranwhisky.com and at independent whisky retailers. For Arran Cheeses, visit www.arranscheeseshop.co.uk

Notes to editors:

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007)

Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 2017 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 19, 2017) Whiskey lovers rejoice, Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its 2017 Antique Collection. The highly anticipated collection will once again feature five limited-release whiskeys of various ages, recipes and proofs. Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley notes, “The team had another great year with the Antique Collection.  From distillation, to barrel selection, to bottling, this year’s collection showed very well.  I was particularly excited about the William Larue Weller with its extra richness, and the Eagle Rare 17 seemed more rounded and full of flavor.  None of these disappointed.”

Here’s what fans can expect this year:

George T. Stagg

The powerhouse favorite of the Antique Collection, George T. Stagg weighs in at 129.2 proof this year.  Past releases of this uncut and unfiltered bourbon have won many top awards, including “5 Stars – Highest Recommendation” by F. Paul Pacult’s The Spirit Journal. This year’s release contains bourbon from barrels filled in the spring of 2002. This batch contained 309 barrels, a few more than last year.  Storage location of these barrels varied across warehouses C, K, M and Q.  This whiskey tastes of expresso, chocolate fudge and tobacco.

William Larue Weller

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. Previous editions of this wheater have won many accolades, including a Double Gold Medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and “Bourbon of the Year” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017.  The 2017 offering was distilled in the winter of 2005 and aged in Warehouses D, I, and P.  This bourbon registers in at 128.2 proof.  The bold flavors include toffee, marshmallow and leather.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. Previous editions of this whiskey have been named “World Whisky of the Year” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and “World’s Best American Whiskey” by Whisky Magazine.  This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2011; aged on the third, fourth and fifth floors of Warehouses K, L, and Q, and weighs in at 127.2 proof.  The flavor is described as fig, allspice and cinnamon.

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

The previous edition of this bourbon was honored with a Silver Outstanding Medal at the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The 2017 edition has been aging on the first, second and third floors of Warehouses C, K and P.  This 90 proof bourbon was aged for seventeen years and tastes of oak, tobacco, toffee and vanilla.

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

Last year Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old received “4 Stars – Highly Recommended” by F. Paul Pacult’s The Spirit Journal.  This 2017 straight rye whiskey release has notable flavors of leather, clove and all-spice.  The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 1998, and then put into a stainless steel tank in 2016 to stop further aging and evaporation.

The Antique Collection was introduced more than a decade ago and has become a cult favorite among whiskey connoisseurs. Since 2000 these whiskeys have garnered numerous awards from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

The 2017 Antique Collection whiskeys will be available in limited quantities this October.  Suggested retail price is $90 per bottle.  For more information visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies

BENROMACH DISTILLERY UNVEILS NEW WOOD FINISH 

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has added to its Wood Finish portfolio with the Benromach Chateau Cissac Wood Finish 2009.

This single malt whisky offers a unique flavour profile as a result of a final finishing period in hand-selected wine casks from the distinguished French wine region of Haut-Médoc near Bordeaux.

The Benromach Chateau Cissac (ABV 45%) was finished in first fill Chateau Cissac casks for 25 months after being filled into first fill Bourbon, resulting in an initial peppery taste with sweet vanilla and creamy milk chocolates notes and hints of red wine tannins and lingering peat smoke.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “Our latest Wood Finish expression is a welcome addition to our growing family of Speyside single malt whiskies. Our previous wood finish expressions, including Benromach Sassicaia and Benromach Hermitage, have proved to be very popular and we are looking forward to hearing what whisky lovers think of this Chateau Cissac. It certainly has plenty of character so I’m sure this new single malt will be appreciated by new and existing Benromach fans around the world.

“Those who enjoy our flagship 10 Years Old will enjoy the chance to experience Benromach in a different way. The maturation in wine casks from the distinguished region creates a distinct flavour in the whisky and allows a truly unique character to develop.”

This new Benromach Wood Finish is available to purchase at specialist whisky retailers with an RRP of £39.75. Prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes.

For more information on Benromach, please visit www.benromach.com.

Notes to Editors

Tasting notes

Pour a good dram into a glass, noticing the dark gold colour, swirl it around and take some little sniffs to enjoy the aroma without water. The fabulous influence of the Château Cissac casks will be immediately apparent, with melon notes, red apples, delicate and zesty orange peel and dark chocolate. There’s also an underlying floral note and a delightful charred oak edge; the Benromach signature.

Now take a sip and enjoy the taste without water. It’s slightly peppery on the palate with sweet vanilla, creamy milk chocolate and there’s even refreshing lemon and limeade flavours with a nod and a wink towards the effervescent. Satisfying hints of red wine tannins emerge, complementing a lingering peat smoke.

Now add some water, swirl it around and savour the aroma with water. There are hints of pressed green apple and pear… and delicate oak aromas develop, complemented by the lingering peppermint.

Take a good sip and roll it around your mouth enjoying the taste with water. At first you’ll sense some spiciness and cracked black pepper. A slight bitterness develops, with grapefruit and orange peel. Now you may detect deeper hints of bonfire embers, complemented by Brazil nuts and gorgeous cocoa flavours.

About Benromach

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery, was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail 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, Gordon & MacPhail 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.

The Cube – bringing mainstream spirits to consumers in Cameroon

Cameroon is the first country in Africa to bottle Black & White Scotch whisky

In February, we launched the Cube, our stand alone bottling facility in Douala, Cameroon. This has enabled us to bring accessible and affordable mainstream spirit to consumers in Cameroon for the first time.

Local production is key to achieving our strategy to grow mainstream spirits and shape the beverage alcohol market in Cameroon and Africa. Through the Cube, Cameroon is the first country in Africa to bottle Black & White Scotch whisky, a brand that has strong local appeal.

To support the launch of Black & White in Cameroon, the team leveraged our existing beer platform and route to consumer to bring the product to market quickly, covering about 60% of the country through 37 local distributors.

Diageo has a proud history in Cameroon. Our Guinness brewery in Douala has been part of the community since 1969, and our presence extends beyond our brands and production. Our Water of Life programme has connected 900,000 people across the country to clean water since 2008. We aim to source 70% of raw materials locally by 2020 and have reached 15,000 people with our responsible alcohol use programmes.

Fine Art Asia Puts Antique Whisky In The Frame 

EDINBURGH — 19 September 2017 –  At the end of September, antique whisky will, for the first time ever, be exhibited alongside ancient and contemporary art from across the globe, giving recognition to vintage whisky as a branch of fine art in its own right. As part of this historic first appearance for whisky at Fine Art Asia 2017, rare and old whisky specialists Cask 88 are due to launch two new independent bottlings, bringing together the work of Scottish master distillers with that of Scottish and international fine artists.

Vintage spirits fans will have two pieces of whisky history for their collections, both of which represent a marriage of fine Scottish whisky production with Scottish art and craftsmanship, as part of a project designed to celebrate the whisky industry’s most valuable resource: time. Firstly, an extremely exclusive Glenfiddich 53 year old 1964 (ABV 46%, first fill sherry cask), bottled in a Hamilton & Inches crystal decanter with a sterling silver stag’s head stopper, pays homage to the Glenfiddich signature bottling style. Only 96 of these have been produced.

Secondly, a Ben Nevis 45 year old 1972 (ABV 42%) is the product of a unique artistic collaboration involving Edinburgh College of Art graduate Paul Charlton, Inverness-based small business Darach Gifts and Spanish master glassmakers, the Gordiola family. The whisky is presented in a hand-blown bottle, housed in a bespoke copper-fronted wooden box, made from vintage oak whisky barrels. Only 228 bottles of the Ben Nevis bottling will be available; consumers can choose from one of four designs, with each product made to order.

These independent bottlings will be the first to be exhibited alongside ancient and contemporary art from across the globe, and therefore the first pieces of antique whisky to be recognised as fine art. Cask 88 Director Patrick Costello said, “The craftsmanship involved in these projects, from the dedication and skill of the master distillers at Glenfiddich and Ben Nevis, to the undeniable expertise of Paul Charlton, Hamilton & Inches, Gordiola and Darach, has truly elevated vintage whisky into the realm of fine art.”

A selection of rare Macallan, Glendronach, Bowmore, Port Ellen and Brora bottles will also be available for immediate sale at the stand. Casks are represented with Macallan 1990, Longmorn 1988, Glenfarclas 1989, Auchentoshan 1989, Dufftown 1987 and North British 1988, among others. Samples will be available at the fair. Information on how to purchase these rare bottles and casks can be found on the Cask 88 website, cask88.com.

“We at Cask 88, as the home for rare and old whisky, consider it our responsibility to nurture bold craftsmanship in the industry, and this extends beyond whisky production to the presentation of our bottlings,” said Patrick Costello. “These independent bottlings are a fine example of what can be achieved by anyone who comes to us seeking to bottle their own cask of whisky.”

Cask 88 support clients in bottling their own whisky, from selecting and buying a cask, maturing the whisky, through to bottling, labelling and branding. By leveraging an international network of whisky industry professionals, fine artists and craftsmen, they aim to help clients make a reality of their creative vision.

Cask 88 has relationships with the most desirable and sought-after distilleries that have their own world-class brands. They have sold casks with fill-dates ranging from 1964 to 2012 and offer casks from over 40 distilleries across all major regions. Whether seeking to complete a personal collection or to fulfil a commercially driven project, those interested in pursuing their own independent bottling project should visit the Cask 88 website for more information. Both independent bottlings will be available first to attendees of Fine Art Asia, then listed on the Cask 88 website after the fair. Prices are available on request.

Tasting Notes 

Glenfiddich 53 year old – This very special Glenfiddich has spent over half a century in a first fill sherry cask. Over this time, the spirit has taken on the flavour and character of the cask to develop an incredibly complex nose: sweet vanilla spice, parma violets, toffee apples and dried fruit, with a touch of black pepper. Having aged in a sherry cask, the palate is delightfully sweet and creamy, delivering warming notes of red fruits, malt, honey, truffle and toffee brittle. The finish is as you would expect for a whisky with such a lengthy maturation – a long finish, spicy with hints of chocolate.

Ben Nevis 45 year old – A sweet and nutty nose, accompanied by notes of dark fruit and cherry, is a complex and welcome introduction to this venerable Ben Nevis whisky, which boasts four and a half decades of maturation. The sherry cask finish is evident on the palate, where we’re met with citrus fruits and dark chocolate, followed by a distinctive mix of tobacco leaves, dried herbs and milk chocolate with a touch of oak. The finish is long with a bitter dryness, offering dark chocolate, sweet tobacco and cherries with cinnamon, reminding us of its significant time spent in oak. 

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 Fine Art Asia

Hosted by the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between 30 September and 3 October 2017, Fine Art Asia is recognised by the international art world as Asia’s leading fine art fair. On display are museum-quality art works spanning over 5,000 years of cultural history, from ancient Chinese bronzes through to contemporary art. Since its inception in 2006, Fine Art Asia has attracted an increasing number of leading international galleries, while earning worldwide recognition. Fine Art Asia is unique: the only fair in Asia to showcase a wide range of collectible fine art from Asia and the West.

fineartasia.com 

About Paul Charlton

A graduate of sculpture from the Edinburgh College of Art, Paul Charlton is a master across various artforms, who combines his skills elegantly to ensure his art extends beyond the canvas to engage with the environment in which it sits. Following graduation, he taught Art and Craft classes and workshops, worked in theatre designing and building sets, before going on to study furniture making & restoration. Paul is currently working with photography and printmaking, blending these with sculpture, theatre and furniture making skills to create unique works of art.

paulcharlton.co.uk

About Hamilton & Inches

Established in 1866 by Robert Kirk Inches and his uncle, James Hamilton, Hamilton & Inches ​is Scotland’s luxury jewellery house, with distinctive workshops and an iconic customer showroom in the heart of Edinburgh. With 150 years of heritage, Hamilton & Inches brings the world’s most aspirational brands to life and crafts each gift with prestige and pride. Hamilton & Inches are ​holders of the Royal Warrant​ ​for​ ​120​ ​years, ​and​ ​Silversmiths​ ​and​ ​Clock​ ​Specialists​ ​to​ ​The​ ​Queen.

hamiltonandinches.com

About Darach

Darach is a small family run company, based in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands.  The craftsmen at Darach take pride in creating quality furniture and gifts from vintage oak whisky barrels.  Each one of their products is individually handcrafted, ensuring that every Darach product is unique. At Darach they recognise and respect the long history and tradition of Scottish whisky casks and their intriguing story.

darachgifts.co.uk

About Gordiola

The art of blowing glass is one of the most precious values ​​of our multisecular artistic tradition, cultivated since 1719 in the glass ovens of the Gordiola family. Over almost three centuries, through successive generations, the artisans and master glassmakers have been modelling, with the ingenuity of their inspiration, the air of their lungs and the agility of their hands, the pieces whose forms, transparencies and reflections still today seduce us. No piece is identical to the other. Any bubble irregularities or asymmetry are characteristic of hand blown glass and give these works their particular charm.

gordiola.com

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Chivas Brothers and The Outward Bound Trust help to inspire local school pupils to reach their potential

Pupils from Dumbarton Academy and Keith Grammar School had the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship as part of a week-long outdoor education expedition hosted by Scotch whisky and premium gin producer Chivas Brothers and The Outward Bound Trust.

As part of the trip, the pupils attended The Outward Bound Trust’s Loch Eil Centre where they participated in a wide range of challenging outdoor learning activities from Canoeing to Gorge Walking and received expert advice from three Chivas Brothers’ employees on preparing for the world of work.

Throughout the trip, Chivas Brothers’ Employee Ambassadors Alastair Combe, Anita Hodge and Scott Edwards worked with the young people to develop their skills, bolster their confidence and expand their CV. The Ambassadors also supported Outward Bound instructors to introduce participants to the notion of entrepreneurship and provided an insight into what it’s like to work for an international company.

Employee Ambassador Anita Hodge said: “It was such a fantastic experience. All of the students gave 100% during each challenge and it was great to see them grow in confidence throughout the week. For the first task we had to jump off a jetty into the loch and swim out to a platform and back, then we participated in canoeing, gorge walking and even a traverse across a small river on site.

“Each activity really helped to inspire the young people to adopt more entrepreneurial qualities by strengthening their ability to use their own initiative to overcome challenges. On top of that, we were on hand every step of the way to help inspire them and provide practical advice into working life and the skills they should develop to thrive.”

Over the last five years, Chivas Brothers and The Outward Bound Trust have helped to support more than 200 young people by delivering annual outdoor learning experiences designed to support young people to become more resilient and motivated to succeed.

Martin Davidson, Director of Scotland and Innovation at The Outward Bound Trust, said: “The Outward Bound Trust has been working in partnership with Chivas Brothers since 2012 and it was fantastic to welcome a new intake of students to the centre again this year. By participating in the Outward Bound course, they were able to face new challenges and improve their skills in teamwork and communication to help them feel more prepared for the future

“In addition, with the support of their Employee Ambassadors, the young people were inspired to adopt entrepreneurial thinking to help them thrive at school, in the workplace and in life. Chivas Brothers’ support is invaluable in helping young people across Scotland become more effective and confident in their ability to achieve anything they set out to do.”

Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers, added: “We are really proud of the work we do to support those in our communities whether that’s through the hard work of our employee volunteers or through our many fundraising programmes. The Outward Bound Trust is an inspiring organisation that offers real impact and develops the skills of the next generation, and we’re pleased to have supported hundreds of local young people over the past five years.”

The Outward Bound Trust is an educational charity that uses the outdoors to help equip young people with valuable transferrable skills.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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.

THE GLENLIVET LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE LIFE’S DEFINITIVE MOMENTS AND ASSERT ITS ROLE AS ‘THE WHISKY’ 

The Glenlivet is launching its most ambitious campaign to date to celebrate its role as the definitive Speyside Single Malt in the Scotch Whisky category. Aptly named The Whisky, The Glenlivet, the global integrated campaign will give the brand a modern and contemporary feel. The Whisky, The Glenlivet is an evolution from the brand’s heritage as “The original single malt brand that set the standard” and is set to reinforce its role as a visionary within the single malts category.

Launching on 22^nd September globally, the campaign will run across TV, digital, print and out of home advertising, The Whisky, The Glenlivet campaign celebrates the unwavering pursuit of its founder, George Smith, to create the definitive Speyside Single Malt.

Never settling for anything less than excellence, George Smith carefully selected the local spring water from the valley to make, what he believed was, The Whisky. Seeing his continued success, many of Smith’s neighbouring distilleries started to add Glenlivet to their name in an effort to appeal to the whisky drinker. Determined to act as the guardian for the outstanding quality and craftsmanship for which his whisky had become known, George Smith took legal action to preserve his distillery’s reputation, laying in place the foundations for the whisky we know today as The Glenlivet. This triumph has established The Glenlivet as a benchmark of excellence from the Livet Valley and is the driving force behind the new campaign – while other whiskies could have used Glenlivet in their name, none could claim to be The Glenlivet.

The campaign will launch with two films – ‘The Night Sky’ and ‘The Fire’ – both demonstrating the beauty of the unspoilt world and encouraging consumers to seek out definitive moments with the definitive whisky. The artistic representations help to show consumers that by looking beyond the ordinary they can unlock something special, which is what George Smith did by accomplishing his quest to create the definitive Speyside Single Malt.

Miriam Eceolaza, Global Marketing Director, comments: “Our new campaign is designed to celebrate the most natural and humbling experiences which allow us to lead richer and more fulfilling lives. The Whisky, The Glenlivet showcases the beauty in the unspoilt world and encourages consumers to search for those definitive moments with the definitive whisky.”

Sean Condon, Creative Director at Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam comments: “This work is like nothing ever seen before in the category, exploring pleasure and singular experiences in a startlingly original way. It’s bold and beautiful and a little bit brash. It’s work that, like the product itself, should be savoured.” 

Notes:

About The Glenlivet 

Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is The Definitive Speyside Single Malt, renowned for its heritage as a visionary within the single malts category. With its smooth and fruity flavour profile, The Glenlivet has contributed the biggest volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the past five years (IWSR, 2016). Acting as the guardian for outstanding quality and craftsmanship within single malts, The Glenlivet is dedicated to continuing this legacy and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Cipher, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, the brand’s first no-age statement single malt.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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.

“Perfumed Garden” Photo Credit – Peter Dibdin at Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY UNVEILS NEW COLLECTION FOR EXCEPTIONALLY RARE RELEASES 

The first two releases in The Vaults Collection showcase the unique whisky available to Society members

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (www.smws.com)has unveiled The Vaults Collection, a prestigious new series, with the release of two of its most rare single cask single malt whiskies.

The first releases in the new series are ‘In a perfumed garden’ (£875), a 26-year-old single malt from a now-closed Lowland distillery, and ‘Meeting an old master’ (£980), a 27-year-old single malt from a renowned Speyside distillery. Whisky expert Charles MacLean has praised both releases.

They will be released on 2^nd October exclusively to members of the Society, highlighting one of the key benefits of joining the whisky club. The Vaults Collection will focus on the Society’s rarest aged releases and exceptional examples of single cask, single malt whisky.

‘In a perfumed garden’ (£875) is one of only 170 bottles from a single cask of whisky from a distillery that closed in 1993. It was matured in a refill barrel before being transferred for further maturation to a second-fill Sauternes hogshead for 18 months.  Finally, it was moved back to a second-fill bourbon barrel where it rested for a further year before being released under the Society’s Sweet, Fruity & Mellow flavour profile. The Society’s expert Tasting Panel describes the whisky as transporting the drinker to “a perfumed garden on a sunny day, with herbs, roses, and delicate, gentle blossoms.”

Charles MacLean added his thoughts saying: “This is an exceptional example of this closed distillery’s remaining stock, which is rare and diminishing with every passing day. Its freshness and vibrant character shine through in a classic example of what was considered the Lowland region’s leading distillery. You’ll never see its like again.”  

‘Meeting an old master’ (£980) isone of only 437 bottles drawn from a single cask of whisky that was distilled on 7^th May 1990. The Speyside whisky matured in an ex-Oloroso sherry cask before further aging in a first-fill Pedro Ximenez sherry butt.

From the Society’s Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits flavour profile, the whisky is described as being “dark yet sweet, with chocolate-covered Brazil and macadamia nuts, figs, prunes and old leather, followed by Muscovado sugar, all spice and a finish of rye whisky with dark, strong coffee”.

Commenting again, Charles MacLean added, “An absolutely gorgeous dram and a wonderful example of this distillery’s traditional style of classic sherried whisky, as it was made in a previous era. It is big, voluptuous and stimulating, with a deeply complex texture. Precious as it is, I wanted to pour myself another dram immediately.”

Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director at the Society, said: “The Vaults Collection encompasses the finest and rarest casks from our treasure trove of single cask whiskies. These casks have been stored over decades and nurtured through their maturation as the ultimate expressions of their kind – these are once-in-a-lifetime bottling of liquid history.”

The Vaults Collection bottles ‘In a perfumed garden’ and ‘Meeting an old master’ are available to full SMWS members in the UK and EU from 2^nd October with key allocations following in the US and Asia. 

‘In a perfumed garden’ TASTING NOTE

The nose, true to the distillery’s name, takes us to a perfumed garden on a sunny day, with herbs, roses, and delicate, gentle blossoms. Someone is handing out fruit jelly sweets and elsewhere there is a waft of cigar smoke. The palate also evokes gardens – sophisticated afternoon tea-parties, with Lady Grey tea, oranges, walnuts, cinnamon toast, tropical fruits and milk chocolate on offer. With water, the nose turns more masculine again, with fresh tobacco leaf, dry oak, eucalyptus, tangy citrus and dark chocolate, coconut and raspberry. With water there are medicinal notes, oak and spice underpinned the pomegranate, physalis, cranberry and Torrontés wine.

‘Meeting an old master’ TASTING NOTE

The whisky cascading into the glass is like a sunset over the Sahara desert, burning the sky with a life-enhancing deep orange radiance. First nosing reveals an old artist’s studio with old easels and the smell of thick canvas, linseed and sandalwood oil. The blinds are pulled shut to direct a single beam of sunlight through the darkness, illuminating a still life with stark contrasts. It intensifies the vibrant colours of the oranges, prunes and dried apricots carefully positioned beside a dusty bottle of tawny port and a glass of sweet Tokaji wine. The palate is dark yet sweet, with chocolate-covered Brazil and macadamia nuts, figs, prunes and old leather, followed by Muscovado sugar, all spice and a finish of rye whisky with dark, strong coffee.

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“Meeting an Old Master” Photo Credit – Peter Dibdin

Notes to editors:

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 132 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

o   Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122

o   Member at £61.50 – without gift box

o   Visit www.smws.com/society-membership

• For more information about the Society, visit www.smws.com

Cotswolds Distillery releases highly-anticipated Single Malt Whisky

The award-winning distillery, the first ever in the Cotswolds ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, will launch their ‘Inaugural Release’ limited edition in the first week of October. Comprised of just 4000 bottles, the public allocation sold out through pre-sales last year.

Production of the single malt began in September 2014 at the site in the North Cotswolds under the guidance of renowned industry expert, the late Dr Jim Swan, whose work with ‘new world whisky’ distilleries has brought whiskies such as Kavalan, Amrut and Milk & Honey to global attention.

The distillery (whose Cotswolds Dry Gin was voted ‘Best London Dry Gin’ at the 2016 World Gin Awards) has received growing attention following praise from industry specialist Jim Murray, who awarded the young previews of the spirit 94/100 and a ‘Liquid Gold’ award in both the 2016 and 2017 editions of his annual Whisky Bible.

Rich and fruity in style, the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky has been matured in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and specially shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine casks, resulting in a striking depth and balance in such a young expression.

The provenance of the raw ingredients is highly important to the distillery, who have unusually committed to using only Cotswolds-grown, floor-malted barley in all their single malt whiskies. And in a move that chimes in with the growing (but controversial) transparency movement in the whisky industry, the barley variety and local farm it was grown on will be listed on each bottle, with detailed production data for each release given on the distillery’s website.

Daniel Szor, founder and CEO, Cotswolds Distillery commented: “Our Single Malt is the culmination of years of hard work, combining over five decades of ‘grain to glass’ production knowledge from internationally-renowned experts with the region’s best-in-class ingredients. We’ve managed to produce something truly remarkable, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved.”  

Tasting Notes: On the nose, honey and butterscotch, layered with light fruits (peaches, apricots) and a hint of marzipan. The palate is rich with malt, oils and dark sugar. Spice and caramelised bitter orange lead into a long, resinous finish with dark red fruits and a hint of treacle.

The non-chill filtered whisky is bottled at 46% ABV and is available at an RRP £44.95 for 70cl.  For more details on the distillery and its Single Malt Whisky, visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

NOTES: 

• The Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky launches at Whisky Live Paris (23-25 September) and the Whisky Show London (30 September – 2 October). Small allocations are available to sample at these shows, but the majority of bottles from the inaugural release were made available for pre-sale when production began, and sold out in 2016.
• Bottled at 46% abv | non-chill filtered | natural colour | 70cl | RRP £44.95.
• Subsequent releases of Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky will be on sale from November 2017, available to purchase directly from the distillery, and in retail across the world.
• Prestigious accolades for the Cotswolds Dry Gin include ‘Best London Dry’ at the World Gin Awards 2016 and a Gold-Outstanding award at IWSC 2017. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.
• Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 23 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands, and it won ‘Best London Dry Gin’ at the World Gin Awards 2016.
• The distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and receives nearly 30,000 visitors a year.  It represents an investment of nearly £7 million by the founder, backed by a group of passionate local investors, as well as its highly successful ‘Angels’ Share’ crowdfunding round in 2016.

Glenmorangie 19 Years Old brings a rare elegance exclusively to Travel Retail

Highland single malt’s signature style is amplified as never before

For 19 years, its rare and elegant spirit has lain undisturbed in the deep peace of a warehouse at Glenmorangie’s Highland Distillery. This September, released exclusively in Travel Retail, Glenmorangie 19 Years Old single malt whisky brings new levels of intensity to the Distillery’s signature style.

Matured only in the finest ex-bourbon casks, Glenmorangie 19 Years Old showcases the mastery and vision with which the award-winning Distillery has approached its whisky creation since 1843. Crafted from the most delicate aged parcel of single malt whisky, the expression augments Glenmorangie’s soft and smooth character with a deep complexity, extraordinary smoothness and surprising zestiness.

Glenmorangie 19 Years Old was created by Brendan McCarron, Glenmorangie’s Head of Maturing Whisky Stocks, under the watchful eye of Dr Bill Lumsden, the Distillery’s acclaimed Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks. The pair were intrigued to see how they could magnify the vibrant citrus notes and creamy style for which Glenmorangie is renowned. In pursuit of the expression they had in mind, Brendan selected a parcel of whisky which had been allowed to mature undisturbed in slow-growth American white oak ex-bourbon casks, for almost two decades. From these casks, he chose only the spirit which still retained the utmost finesse, to form the delicate character of Glenmorangie 19 Years Old.

Brendan said: “Often, a longer maturation will tone down a spirit’s more perfumed notes. But Glenmorangie 19 Years Old retains a wonderful vibrancy and zest. Unusually for a whisky of such age, perfumed aromas of rose, lilac, carnation and mint emerge in abundance. Its long maturation in the finest-quality casks, brings the expression a smooth, buttery mouthfeel. Connoisseurs will be mesmerized by its tastes of apple, apricot, tangy oranges, toffee, menthol and butter candy – and the finish filled with oak tannins and lingering citrus fruit. For travellers who love Glenmorangie, this whisky wonderfully amplifies the character of the spirit they know and adore.”