SCOTCH’S LENGTHY BULL RUN CONTINUES

The Macallan leads the way accounting for £300 out of every £1,000 spent at auction in the UK

The market for rare whisky has experienced unprecedented growth during the first six months of the year, extending its lengthy bull run, according to new figures published today by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101.

Rare Whisky 101’s 2017 Half Year Report shows that both the volume and value of rare Scotch whisky sold at auction has increased by record amounts during the reporting period. The £ value of collectable bottles of Single Malt Scotch whisky sold at auction in the UK rose by an exceptional 93.66% to an all-time half-year high of £11.176m (H1 2016 £5.771m). The number of bottles of Single Malt Scotch whisky sold at auction in the UK increased by 47.25% to 39,061 (H1 2016 26,527).

The continued increased in values is reflected in the average per-bottle price, which has risen to a new record of £286.13, up from H1 2016’s £217.56 and FY 2016’s £241.87.

The value of the broadest measurement of the market, the Apex 1000 Index, increased 11.50% from 505.98 points at the end of 2016 to 564.16 points at the 2017 mid-year point. This is broadly in line with 2016’s HY increase of 11.78%.

The most expensive bottle of Scotch sold during the period was a 50-year-old Macallan in Lalique, which fetched £65,210 (up from the previous best of £17,000 in 2015).

The Macallan’s secondary market dominance extends, accounting for almost £300 out of every £1,000 spent at auction in the UK. The brand now has a 12.71% volume share of all bottles sold and a staggering 28.90% share of the £ value (up from 10.26% and 21.85% respectively at FY 2016).

In contrast, the market continues to polarize as the broadest measure of non-performing rare whisky assets. The Negative 1000 Index, shows accelerating losses dipping -3.22% through the first half of 2017 (H1 2016 -0.83% and FY 2016 -0.13%).

Scotch leads Japanese in the investment stakes as the Icon 100 Index (a basket of 100 collectable bottles of Scotch whisky) increases 6.56% but the Japanese Icon 100 Index (a basket of 100 collectable bottles of Japanese whisky) re-traces by -4.41% at the half year.

Despite a broader dip in values for Japanese whisky, a bottle of Karuizawa 1960 was sold for £100,100 in April 2017, setting a new UK and European record price for a bottle of whisky.

For more information or to download the full report visit: http://www.rarewhisky101.com/intelligence

Whisky investment analyst and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, Andy Simpson commented: “Whisky investment analyst and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, Andy Simpson commented:

“Never has the secondary market for rare whisky been so strong, and we expect the value of Scotch sold at auction in the UK to break £20m this year for the first time ever.”

“At a brand level, individual producers are continually pushing the prices of their premium aged stock. Couple this primary market price inflation with increased global demand and declining stocks of discontinued bottles, and we still look to be in the ‘perfect storm’ for the right bottles to continue to appreciating in value.”

“Of course, as with any investment asset experiencing such a run, it all could come to an end. But right now, the right bottles of Scotch seem to be in ever increasing demand. With so little significantly aged stock still maturing in the cask, it’s unlikely we’ll see prices easing for rarities in the short to medium term.”

“For now, we remain optimistic about Scotch’s burgeoning credentials as an alternative investment… but only, as we always say, for the right bottles.”

About Rare Whisky 101

Andy Simpson and David Robertson launched Rare Whisky 101 in 2014 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service, brokerage and consultancy for whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at UK auctions over the past 12 years, the business now offers the world’s first, only and most comprehensive online single malt Scotch & Japanese whisky dataset covering almost 250,000 price records across over 31,000 different bottle types. In the last 12 months, RW101 have brokered around 20,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe in addition to trading in aged casks from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Springbank, Mortlach, Talisker, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Rosebank and Highland Park.

GLENWYVIS COMMUNITY-LED DISTILLERY IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

WELCOMES NEW INVESTORS FOR SECOND SHARE OFFER

The world’s first 100% community-owned whisky distillery, GlenWyvis Distillery, based in Dingwall in the Highlands of Scotland, has launched its second open share offer and is welcoming new investors from around the world, to become involved, as they aim to raise an additional £750,000.

With almost £200,000 raised already, the additional funds are being used to accelerate the new distillery’s brand and visitor centre development, to bring gin distilling to Dingwall and to reduce commercial lending costs.

The distillery, which will be entirely powered by green energy, is currently being built at the Heights of Docharty by Dingwall and is on-schedule to open this November. The stills and mash-tuns are now in place and recruitment underway for the master distiller and visitor centre development officer.

Talking about the second share offer, founder and managing director John McKenzie of GlenWyvis Distillery said: “We are making great progress with the distillery build which can now be seen in its stately position from the town below and right across the glen with a wealth of stunning landscapes all around.

“Our sights are firmly set on the first run of spirit in November this year and our second share offer will ensure we maintain our momentum, as we move into our branding and development phase.”

John added: “We are seeing a great deal of interest from international visitors, as we are sited in the Highlands of Scotland but also on the North Coast 500 route and near to some of the prime “Outlander” locations*. We are also within easy reach of Culloden and many clan sites making it an ideal addition to a visitor’s itinerary.

“By investing in the community share offer, it will make it all the more exciting and interesting for investors to come and see the distillery they have invested in, at first hand and really feel a part of the first ever community-led malt whisky distillery.”

Second Share offer investment

GlenWyvis already has some 2,600 members who invested in the original share offer in 2016 and this new share offer opportunity capitalises on continued interest from locals and visitors alike. The minimum investment is £250 for all investors, and supporters will also be able pay extra to have their name added to the distillery wall or the “path to the stills”.

Simon Walker, Head of Campaigns at www.crowdfunder.co.uk said: “The GlenWyvis Distillery is a truly unique project to create the world’s first 100% community-owned whisky distillery. Following last year’s successful crowdfunding campaign with over £2.6 million raised, we’re delighted that the team has decided to use crowdfunder.co.uk once again for the next phase of funding.

“As a project which gives people a chance to play an active role in this venture, we’re excited to see not only the development of the distillery itself, but how the community continues to work together to make the project a reality. We look forward to raising a glass with John and his team over the next couple of months.”

Full details of the open share offer naming options are available on the GlenWyvis Distillery website at www.glenwyvis.com

Investment can be made online via www.crowdfunder.co.uk or www.glenwyvis.com

Josh Office Manager beside new stills at GlenWyvis Distillery

Notes

*North Coast 500 and Outlander interest

Increased tourism interest in the area has come about as a result of the North Coast 500 route taking in Dingwall, where GlenWyvis has set up its new interim visitor centre, GlenWyvis Basecamp. The Dingwall area has also seen an influx of “Outlander” fans as they look for the site of the original “Ferintosh” distillery – which produced the historical whisky of choice of lead character “Jamie”, before moving on to another Outlander location-stop at nearby Castle Leod in Strathpeffer – the inspiration for Castle Leoch in the TV series.

Single malt whisky entirely matured in designer casks makes a return

Five-star success for Chivas Brothers’ distilleries

Scotch whisky and premium gin producer Chivas Brothers is in high spirits after three of its Speyside distilleries were awarded five-star status.

The visitor centres at Aberlour Distillery, Strathisla Distillery and The Glenlivet Distillery have been praised for providing ‘Exceptional Customer Experiences’ during a recent VisitScotland assessment.

The appraisals were carried out as part of VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Grading Scheme, which is designed to inspire and encourage improvement within the visitor attraction sector by helping participating attractions to achieve their full potential and provide the best possible experience.

Visitor attractions are assessed across a wide range of criteria from the quality of the pre-arrival booking process to staff hospitality and friendliness, experience upon arrival, and catering and retail, with each of Chivas Brothers’ visitor centres scoring above 85 per cent to retain the highest ranking of five stars.

Commenting on the fantastic achievement, Chivas Brothers’ Visitor Centres Manager Caroline Mitchell said: “We are absolutely delighted that three of our Speyside distilleries have once again been awarded five stars for providing outstanding customer experiences.

“The achievement is a huge credit to each of our visitor centre distillery teams at Aberlour, Strathisla and The Glenlivet, which go above and beyond to ensure we maintain our high standards and provide excellent customer service across the board.”

The VisitScotland accreditation bolsters the success of Chivas Brothers’ Aberlour Distillery after Visitor Centre Supervisor Rikki Scott scooped the Whisky Magazine Global Icons of Whisky Award earlier this year.

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.

www.chivasspirit.com

The GlenDronach Distillery Releases ‘Whisky Fit for a Kingsman’

The GlenDronach Distillery is pleased to announce the exclusive release of The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage, a unique collaboration with Marv films and Twentieth Century Fox to mark the release of ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’.

The GlenDronach was personally selected by Film Director, Matthew Vaughn, for his new Kingsman film as The GlenDronach is his single malt whisky of choice. To create The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage, which marks the birth year of Kingsman agent Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin, only the finest sherry casks were selected by Whisky Maker Rachel Barrie. Unashamedly Highland and endlessly complex, this rare, limited release shares the Kingsman creed of impossible perfection built on unshakeable tradition.

Film Director Matthew Vaughn said:

“A Kingsman is smooth, elegant and packs a punch, as does The GlenDronach – so it felt like the perfect fit. I selected the 1991 vintage as it marks birth year of ‘Eggsy’, who is also known as Kingsman agent Galahad. It’s really special to get a limited edition vintage like this, and even more so as The GlenDronach is my favourite single malt whisky. I hope Kingsman fans around the world enjoy it as much as I do.”

Each of the special individually hand-numbered whisky bottles is presented in bespoke, luxury packaging, featuring a custom Kingsman gold metal charm. Both the Whisky Maker and Film Director’s signatures adorn the bottle’s packaging. Deep walnut brown in colour, with waves of black grapes on a woody vine on the nose, ripe Victoria plum on the palate

with a lingering and warm finish, the whisky is 48.2% ABV, non chill filtered and, as always for The GlenDronach, of natural colour, for authenticity, richness and texture. The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage will appeal to film fans and whisky collectors alike. This rare limited edition will be available worldwide and can be purchased in speciality retailers across the UK from September.

The GlenDronach Whisky Maker, Rachel Barrie said:

“It took over a quarter of a century for The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition to come of age, matured in sherry casks from birth. As we say at the distillery, ‘Cask is King’ and this is evident in the taste experience of The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage, which is richly sherried, elegant and full bodied to the last. We hope you agree, it is whisky fit for a Kingsman’.”

The GlenDronach Distillery Releases ‘Whisky Fit for a Kingsman’

NOTES :

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep walnut brown.

Nose: Waves of black grapes on a woody vine combine with antique leather and maple leaf tobacco.

Palate: Ripe Victoria plum and Seville orange give way to Old Jamaican ginger cake and sticky black treacle.

Finish: Lingering and warm, with ground coffee, dark chocolate and walnut raisin cake.

ABV: 48.2%, non chill filtered and of natural colour, for authenticity, richness and texture.

RRP: £550

Retail: Across speciality retailers including Berry Bros. & Rudd, The Whisky Shop, Gordon &MacPhail, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies, The Grapevine, and Master of Malt

About The GlenDronach Distillery:

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a heavy and robust spirit, perfect for a long maturation period in sherry casks. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our whisky in the finest Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The award-winning GlenDronach range marries the best of Highland and Spanish skill and heritage to offer whiskies of elegant, complex character with tremendous depth of taste.

About Kingsman: The Golden Circle:

In “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”, The Kingsman face a new challenge when their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage. Their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organisation in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. The Statesman, based in Louisville, Kentucky, act as Master Distillers to hide their true identity. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organisations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy. The sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kingsman: The Golden Circle is directed by Matthew Vaughn and stars original cast members Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Mark Strong, and introduces new cast members, Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore and Elton John.

The ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ world premiere will be in London on 18th September and will be released in UK cinemas on the 20th September.

Visit: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGlenDronach

THE ‘KING OF WHISKY’ UNVEILS ULTIMATE CELEBRATION OF THE SPORT OF KINGS  

Royal Salute launches limited edition 21 Year Old Polo Edition 

The ‘King of Whisky’, Royal Salute, has unveiled an all-new 21 Year Old Polo Edition with a more delicate-flavoured whisky, designed to be enjoyed during the day and the ideal accompaniment to sophisticated sporting occasions such as polo.

Aptly launched at the Royal Salute Sentebale Polo Cup in Singapore on in June 2017, the new blend has been developed by Royal Salute’s Director of Blending Sandy Hyslop and is endorsed by Royal Salute Polo Ambassador, Malcolm Borwick, as a celebration of the brand’s longstanding affinity with polo and its lifestyle. The whisky is housed in a limited edition box signed by Malcolm, a Royal Salute ambassador of more than six years, and features his widely recognised red helmet.

Brighter in texture and tone with notes of honeydew melon, berry jam and creamy toffee, this new expression has been developed from a combination of fragrant grains and fruity malt whiskies for a smooth and sophisticated blended whisky, perfect for basking in the sunshine and outdoor entertaining.

The new Scotch whisky is housed in Royal Salute’s iconic hand-crafted porcelain flagons with a distinct polo theme, unique to the limited edition expression. It was officially launched to a 300-strong crowd of distinguished guests at the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup earlier this summer, an annual event benefitting the Sentebale charity, which was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support vulnerable children and adolescents living in extreme poverty and affected by HIV in southern Africa.

To further the fundraising effort, Royal Salute held an exclusive auction for the very first flagon of Polo Edition – traditionally kept as the treasured possession of the Director of Blending, Sandy Hyslop – wrapped in a bespoke piece of artwork. Hand-illustrated by British artist Natalie Reid, the artwork celebrated the emotional milestones and transformative initiatives achieved through the work of the charity. Bidding was officially opened at the Sentebale Polo Cup, where guests of Royal Salute were treated to a preview of the exclusive flagon, before online bids were welcomed from those not in attendance at the prestigious event.

Royal Salute Polo Ambassador, Malcolm Borwick commented: “I’m really excited about the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition; it’s unlike anything we’ve seen from a Scotch whisky with its lighter and more delicate taste and it makes for the perfect daytime drink. Royal Salute has a longstanding relationship with polo, sponsoring more than 15 international tournaments around the world so it was fitting to unveil this exquisite new expression at the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, arguably the highlight of our polo calendar.”

Royal Salute Brand Director, Peter Moore, added: ‘‘Polo is a noble game of honour, skill, integrity and respect – all values inherent in Royal Salute. We wanted to continue to celebrate the iconic pairing of our ‘King of Whisky’ with the ‘Sport of Kings’, and this new Polo Edition does just that in a more

delicate tasting blend ideal for outdoor, daytime enjoyment. We’re thrilled to bring it to whisky aficionados around the world.”

In celebration of the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition is exclusively available in Singapore Duty Free throughout June. It will be available globally from September for an RRP of USD $140.

For more information about Royal Salute, visit www.royalsalute.com.

Instagram | @royalsalute

Twitter | @royalsalute

Facebook | RoyalSalutePolo

Notes:

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition Signature Serve

Introducing the Royal Salute Polo Spritz

A refreshing champagne whisky cocktail, the Royal Salute Polo Spritz is perfect for those long, summer days. Here’s how to create it:

• 1cl of chilled Spritz Syrup
• 2.5cl of Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition
• Top with 12cl of champagne
• Express an orange zest on top
• Add to the glass and stir 

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is a careful blend of malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest blend matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the 21 gun salute that honoured her, the brand is steeped in tradition and proud of its royal lineage, but is firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.

www.royalsalute.com

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader 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

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin and Malibu, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

About Sentebale

Sentebale is a charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006. The charity aims to rewrite the future for the impoverished population of Lesotho, a small, landlocked country in southern Africa, providing the thousands of children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS with vital access to care, education and critically psychosocial support.

In 2015, Sentebale announced plans to expand into several southern Africa countries by 2020, delivering psychosocial support to 10 to 19 year olds who were struggling to come to terms with living with HIV. In December 2016, Sentebale launched the first weeks of camp in Botswana, providing psychosocial support to 150 young people. Additionally, during the financial year ending on 31st August 2016, the charity in partnership with the Ministry of Health delivered adolescent-friendly HIV testing and counselling services to over 16,500 people. That year, Sentebale more than doubled the number of children and adolescents attending residential camp at the newly opened ’Mamohato Children’s Centre in Lesotho to over 1,000 children and increased the number of children attending Saturday clubs by 18%.

Despite Sentebale’s progress to date, there remain many more adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa unaware of their HIV status and afraid to get tested. In line with UNAIDS Fast-track targets, Sentebale’s new Let Youth Lead advocacy programme aims to encourage all youth in sub-Saharan Africa to know and manage their HIV status by 2020. Through youth-led campaigning and advocacy, the ambition is to allow the voices of youth affected by HIV and AIDS to be heard and to change adult attitudes to these young people. The programme will also address the lack of youth-friendly health services and sexual reproductive health taught in schools, and will aim to strengthen leaders’ commitment to help young people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Sign up to received news from Sentebale at www.sentebale.org

Twitter/Instagram: @Sentebale

Facebook: SentebaleOfficial

RARE MACALLAN TRIUMPHS AT BONHAMS WHISKY AUCTION IN HONG KONG

Complete set of The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection. Sold for HK$3,797,500

A complete set of The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection sold for HK$3,797,500 at Bonhams Whisky sale in Hong Kong last week. It had been estimated at HK$3,600,000-4,600,000.

The six decanters, made exclusively by the renowned French crystal house Lalique, were issued in strictly limited numbers between 2006-2016, and contain very rare Macallan whisky aged, in order of release, 50, 55, 57, 60, 62, and 65 years old.

Bonhams Whisky specialist in Hong Kong Daniel Lam said, “I am not surprised that this complete set of The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection sold so well. The individual bottles are, of course, highly sought after, but the opportunity to acquire all six bottles at once like this, very rarely comes along.”

Elsewhere in the sale:

Seven bottles from The Ghost Series. Estimate: HK$270,000-350,000.

Seven bottles from The Ghost Series. Estimate: HK$270,000-350,000.

• Seven bottles from The Ghost Series sold for HK$882,000. Illustrated by images from New Forms of 36 Ghosts, by the 19^th century master of Japanese woodblock printing, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, the bottles had been estimated at HK$270,000-350,000)
• A vertical series of Macallan – 40 bottles from 1958-2006 inclusive – sold for HK$ 735,000 having been estimated at $600,000-800,000)
• A collection of whiskies bottled specifically for the Conti Brothers grocery store in Sacramento sold for HK$269,500. Made up of 15 single malts personally selected by the brothers and bottled for them in the 1970s and ‘80s, the collection had been estimated at HK$220,000-260,000
• A single Macallan Millennium Decanter estimated at HK$210,000-250,000 sold for HK$257,250.

In total, the sale made HK$13,624,818.

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

Home of Whisky Festival, Salutation Hotel, Perth, Saturday, 19th August 2017, 1.00pm – 5.30pm

Exel Wines once again hosted the popular Home of Whisky Festival in Perth. The 2017 Festival started at 1pm with a welcome from Willie Wilson, Depute Provost (Mayor) of Perth. “C’mon Willie, wanting a dram here!”

Now then, having known the nice people at Exel for some years, Liz and myself did receive some extra guidance this year – well that’s our secret eh! There was a great selection of whiskies to try from a grand bunch of exhibitors. Guests were given 10 tokens in total (plus a complimentary dram on arrival of Old Perth) but sadly no option to buy more. There were 2 masterclasses hosted by Tomatin Distillery and Bruichladdich Distillery. The Tomatin hosted by another old contact, Ali – who provided taste-bud ticklers with whisky-based cocktails. There were 5 whiskies– Tomatin 12 Year Old, Tomatin 14 Year Old, Tomatin 18 Year Old and two mystery malts – Tomatin Mystery Malts were: Five series Earth which is peated and the Limited Release 36 Year Old.   Brooch masterclass were 5 whiskies tasted –Classic Laddie, Islay Barley, Port Charlotte Scottish Barley, Port Charlotte Islay Barley, Octomore 6.1, Liz almost hit the roof at the last one!

List of exhibitors: Benriach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh, The Glenturret, Bruichladdich, Douglas Laing & Co, Compass Box, Morrison & Mackay, Fraiser, Tomatin, Gordon & MacPhail, Wemyss Malts, Ian MacLeod Distillers, Murray McDavid, Indie Brands, Glenfarclas, Kilchoman. There were crackers for people to munch on as they tasted the whiskies as well as jugs of water.  All the stock for sale at the pop-up shop was at special prices for the day of the festival.  There was also a tear-off voucher on the back of the brochure that could be used when buying whisky in the shop during September.

The Glenturret Range Scotland’s oldest working distillery focuses on profiling the taste of the malt, three tastes to choose from, Sherry, Triple Wood and Peated. Here is where I got confused; Triple Wood – a combination of American sherry oak, European sherry oak and American bourbon oak casks have been used to create the distinct oaky flavour. Yet with all that sherry … a mix of orange peel, vanilla and peardrops (sweeties fae schooldays) with a taste of cedarwood, cinnamon, marzipan and a hint of coconut – so where is the oaky taste? Answers on a psot card please to Paul.

Of course there were many people “behind the tables” we knew well, having been in this whisky industry selling whisky tours for over 21 years. It was nice meeting up again, specially Jacque (Wemyss whiskies) who we also met in Oban, Helsinki and others! That girl moves about. Ali from Tomatin and Jan – a timerous beasties of a man. It was busy on Saturday, not too busy like some we have attended (one comes to mind where punters were 5 deep waiting for a dram) but just about right. I was fortunate to see the programme before the event, and a good job of this was made, not all festivals do this. Before the event – well 4 days before actually, I had been tasting in the shop and aye, went home with two Perth pals, Old Perth bottles – ha! The 21 year old was not available at the show, am chuffed with this as I have one. It’s no often I get my hands on a 21 year old these days. Dianne Wilkie, Director of Exel Wines told me, ‘We first hosted the Home of Whisky Festival in the Salutation Hotel in 2014 (I was there at that too!), and it is a privilege for us to be able to bring the event back to this venue again this year. Perth has long had a love affair with the ‘water of life’ and the Home of Whisky Festival is a great way to celebrate this by not only raising awareness of the whisky-making heritage of Perthshire, but also throughout Scotland, giving those attended an opportunity to sample some of the best whisky Scotland has to offer and learn more about whisky production and distribution across the globe.’ Can I just mention the girls at the shop, ever charming, knowledgeable and reliable; these two are great fun and classed friends of mine.

Established in 2009, Exel Wines have gone from strength-to-strength over the years to become one of the UK’s largest online retailers of wine, whisky, craft beer and spirits. With a shop on 47 South Street, it is also Perth’s best whisky retailer offering wine and whisky enthusiast a treasure trove of delights, including many rare and collectable bottles. I know this for sure, I have shopped and come out many times with more than one bottle. They also offer superb tasting nights, with a limited audience, enabling much serious dramming without a crowd, hosted by experts too! So the moral of this story is – get along to Exel shop, festival events or the tastings, or like me, all!

Paul McLean www.whiskytours.scot/

Jim Beam Unveils New Jim Beam® Vanilla, Continuing A 222-Year Tradition of Exploration

(CHICAGO) August 8, 2017 – Today, Jim Beam®, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, officially announced the latest addition to its flavored portfolio, Jim Beam® Vanilla. Jim Beam Vanilla blends Madagascar vanilla bean liqueur with classic Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

Continuing a 222-year family tradition of innovation and exploration, Jim Beam distillers have struck the perfect balance of subtle Madagascar vanilla bean with hints of oak and caramel bourbon notes, producing a sweet vanilla aroma and golden brown color. Bartenders with early samples of the product have suggested mixing Jim Beam Vanilla year-round with cola and a cherry garnish for extra color and flavor.

Jim Beam’s flavored whiskey portfolio continues to contribute to the brand’s positive momentum following the launch of Jim Beam® Apple in 2015. According to Nielsen research, Jim Beam’s sales saw a 15 percent growth (USD dollar share) in the 12-month period that ended July 15.

“Jim Beam pioneered flavors in the bourbon category several years ago and the trend has continued to grow. We are always innovating, and are proud to offer a variety of flavors in our portfolio,” said Jim Beam’s 7th generation master distiller Fred Noe. “Of course, our newest is Jim Beam Vanilla, with a rich and smooth profile. But don’t just take my word for it, sit back and enjoy a sip.”

Jim Beam’s global brand partner Mila Kunis is also excited about the new innovation. Kunis will be featured in social and digital content around the official campaign launch this fall.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with my friends in Kentucky to debut Jim Beam Vanilla,” said Kunis. “If you’re like me, you love the taste of bourbon but are sometimes looking for something a little different. Jim Beam Vanilla is perfect when I want a touch of flavor.”

Bottled at 70-proof, new Jim Beam Vanilla contains vanilla liqueur blended with Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It offers the perfect balance of subtle vanilla sweetness and hints of oak and deep caramel bourbon notes. Jim Beam Vanilla joins the brand’s existing flavored whiskey portfolio already in market, including Jim Beam® Apple, Jim Beam® Kentucky Fire™, Jim Beam® Honey and Red Stag by Jim Beam® Black Cherry.

Jim Beam Vanilla has a suggested retail price of $15.99 for 750mL, and is now available in bars and retail locations nationwide. Prices may vary based on market and product size.

For more information about Jim Beam Vanilla, follow us on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or visit www.jimbeam.com.

ARDBEG ‘AN OA’ – THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE CORE RANGE IN A DECADE 

At the heart of Ardbeg’s Distillery, in its intriguing new Gathering Room*, a smoky, sweet and rounded single malt is taking shape. Ardbeg An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is inspired by the most untamed part of The Ultimate Islay Malt’s remote Scottish island home. Released in September 2017, it will be the first new permanent expression to emerge from Ardbeg for almost ten years.

Like the complex whisky which shares its name, Islay’s Mull of Oa is noticeably rounded.  At the Island’s southernmost point, the headland’s towering cliffs stand defiantly against the raging Atlantic storms, providing welcome shelter for Islay’s south coast, to which the Ardbeg Distillery has clung for more than 200 years.  Ardbeg An Oa pays homage to its untamed provenance, with contrasts of powerful intensity and sweet silkiness that celebrate the spot where storm meets calm.

Inside Ardbeg Distillery’s new and bespoke Gathering Room lies the vast Gathering Vat – specially created from French oak to bring Ardbeg An Oa into being. The different layers of whisky slowly mellow together within; the richness of spirit matured in Pedro Ximénes casks, the spice of whisky aged in virgin oak, and all the hallmark intensity of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Culminating in an untamed single malt far more complex and rounded than the sum of its parts.

Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “There is a wonderfully Ardbeggian magic to The Gathering Room, where the parcels married together in this whisky merge over time, to reach new levels of complexity.  Ardbeg An Oa’s rounded and subtly smoky aromas reflect all the contrasts of the Mull of Oa, with notes of creamy toffee, aniseed, dates and hints of peach and banana.  The whisky’s smooth, creamy texture leads to a huge syrupy sweetness on the palate, as milk chocolate, orange and smoky tea leaves mingle with sweet spices, cigar smoke and – unusually – grilled artichokes, before a lingering, seductive and smoky finish.  It is years since the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt added to its core range.  We hope smoky malt whisky fans everywhere will be drawn to Ardbeg An Oa.”

Ardbeg An Oa is non-chill filtered and bottled at ABV 46.6%. Priced at RRP £49.00, it will be available in specialist retailers from September 2017.

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NOTES:

TASTING NOTES

Colour: Harvest gold

Aroma: Rounded and subtly smoky (applewood smoked), with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates.  A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana.  With a drop of water, come reminders of Ardbeg’s classic fragrance – lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar.  A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked herbs.

Taste: A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves.  Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes.  Long and sweet, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty/biscuity notes.

Finish: Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke. 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

*The Gathering Room:

The Gathering Room, created from a former grain store at Ardbeg, has been custom designed to hold Ardbeg’s Gathering Vat.  Crafted from French oak, the vast Gathering Vat allows the different cask types used to create Ardbeg An Oa to marry.  With the magic of time, their flavours are rounded into a whisky which reaches new heights of complexity.  The rounding that takes place in The Gathering Room has its origins in centuries-old whisky practices, whereby distillers would sometimes combine different casks in one vat, with intriguing results.

The Mull of Oa:

The Mull of Oa is Islay’s most untamed spot.  Situated at the end of the Oa peninsula, its dramatic cliffs form the most southerly point of Islay.  On one side, this rounded headland – 202m at its height – bears the brunt of storms that rage in from the Atlantic.  On the other, it provides shelter from the wild weather to the southern coast of Islay, including Ardbeg Cove, where the Ardbeg Distillery is nestled.  These contrasts – and the Mull’s rounded shape – are reflected in the power and silky sweetness of Ardbeg An Oa.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com. 

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘World Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ardbeg’s core range:

Ardbeg An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) is the first expression to be added to Ardbeg’s core range for almost a decade.  In 2000, the Distillery released Ardbeg Ten Years Old.  In 2003, it was followed by Ardbeg Uigeadail and in 2009, by Ardbeg Corryvreckan. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption