Green Spot Chateau Montelena Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

Two proud Irish traditions collaborate to produce an exceptional Irish Whiskey with a Californian twist

Irish Distillers today proudly unveils Green Spot Chateau Montelena, the first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey to be finished in French oak Zinfandel wine casks. Matured until the combination of wine, whiskey and oak has reached the perfect balance, this new release is the second in the Wine Geese series of Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys that have been finished in unique wine casks.

Green Spot Chateau Montelena has been initially matured in American Bourbon and sherry casks and then finished for one year in casks previously filled with Zinfandel wine from the famed Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley. This rare cask finish contributes pomegranate, cranberry and maraschino cherry on the nose, a dry note to the silky mouthfeel and the finish combines classic long pot still spice flavours with a delicate wine influence, all in perfect harmony.

Green Spot Chateau Montelena also represents the coming together of two stories of Irish endeavour and enterprise. The Mitchells, who bottled and sold the original Green Spot under bond until 1968 and Jim Barrett, who restored the California-based Chateau Montelena to its former glory in 1972. Son of John Barrett, a Waterford man who emigrated to the USA after World War I, Jim Barrett followed in a long list of Wine Geese – Irish migrants that established leading wineries around the world. Today, the time-honoured traditions of Chateau Montelena are upheld by Jim’s son, Bo Barrett.

Crafted at the Midleton Distillery by Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation and long-serving Head Blender, Billy Leighton, Green Spot Chateau Montelena is the second edition in the Wine Geese series following the launch of Green Spot Château Léoville Barton in 2015. Bottled at 46% ABV and without chill-filtration, Green Spot Chateau Montelena will be available in limited quantities each year in the USA, Canada and Ireland (including Ireland Travel Retail).

Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation at Midleton Distillery, explains: “Green Spot Chateau Montelena is the celebration of three famous Irish institutions – Midleton Distillery, Mitchell and Son and Chateau Montelena – working in harmony to craft a new and innovative Irish whiskey that will appeal to whiskey and wine drinkers alike.

“Exploring the influence of these prized wine casks on Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey was our inspiration. We found that the black-skinned Zinfandel grapes are full of ripe, spicy berry flavours, which imparts a distinctive and refined fruitiness to the wine and also the casks in which they matured. Working closely with Billy Leighton, we monitored the finishing process over the course of one year until we reached the perfect balance of flavours – the result is a rich pot still whiskey with classic Green Spot red apples, pears, vanilla and liquorice complemented by the dry and fruity Zinfandel wine.”

Bo Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at Chateau Montelena added, “It has been a pleasure to work with Billy Leighton, Kevin O’Gorman and the whole production team at Midleton Distillery on this exciting project. We were brought together by a shared heritage and common respect for excellence in craft that has been wholly realised in Green Spot Chateau Montelena. I hope consumers will enjoy the Zinfandel twist to the classic Green Spot single pot still flavour.”

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NOTES

Tasting notes by Kevin O’Gorman, Head of Maturation at Midleton Distillery

Nose: Crisp oak combines with the soft sweetness of vanilla, white chocolate and marshmallow, balanced with signature Green Spot red apples and ripe pears, along with pomegranate, cranberries and maraschino cherries, the contribution of the wine cask.
Taste: Sweet mouth coating takes on a dry note thanks to the effect of the wine cask. Pot still spices subside with zesty citrus leading to ripe orchard fruit and red berries. A touch of marzipan and toasted oak add to the complexity.
Finish: Satisfyingly long with pot still spices in harmony with the delicate dry wine contribution.

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish Whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish Whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish Whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

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, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 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.
www.pernod-ricard.com

GIVE A GIFT AS UNIQUE AS THEY ARE THIS CHRISTMAS

 Treat your loved one to one of the finest, most unique single malt whiskies with  Lore, Select and 27 Year Old from Laphroaig

The award-winning, heavily-peated Single Malt Scotch whisky has been dividing opinions since 1815. It is not your everyday whisky for everyday people so this Christmas, get into the spirit and give the gift of history with three unique bottlings from the world’s No.1 Islay single malt.

HISTORY AT HEART

Laphroaig Select’s unique character is derived from the special selection of casks chosen for maturation. The heart of the spirit is drawn from a final maturation in new American Oak casks, rarely used for Scotch whisky.

Representing a subtle blending of peat, oak and sweetness, Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell has selected the spirit from Laphroaig Quarter Cask, PX Cask, Triple Wood (European Oak casks) and a final addition of 10 Year Old to create San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 silver medal award winning Laphroaig Select.

Sparkling gold in colour, on the nose Laphroaig Select is reminiscent of burning embers of peat in a crofter’s fireplace with hints of coconut and banana. Full bodied, the whisky offers deep, complex and smoky flavours on the palate with a surprising gentle sweetness and a dry, spicy, finish, making it a great foil to smoked salmon, rich mince pies beside the fire or strong blue cheese this festive season.

For something extra special, give your loved one a limited edition Laphroaig Select gift pack including two bespoke Laphroaig nosing glasses alongside a full-sized bottle.

Laphroaig Select and the Laphroaig Select gift set are available in selected whisky specialists and retailers. RRP £35

THE RICHEST OF THE RICH

A double-gold medal award winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017, Laphroaig Lore is shaped by Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell, and drawn from 5 different casks including first-fill Bourbon barrels, new American Oak quarter casks, refill Laphroaig and Oloroso Sherry butts to create a rich Laphroaig like no other.

As the name suggests, this offering from Laphroaig is inspired by the knowledge and traditions passed down from generation to generation of its distillery managers, blenders and craftsmen.

Deep mahogany in colour, on the nose Laphroaig Lore is rich and smoky with seaside minerals, a hint of ash and bitter chocolate drops. Vanilla follows with chestnuts and a hit of fudge with malty sweetness – flavours reminiscent of Christmas treats. This develops into reach peat and a spicy chilli bite on the palate with a long, sweet aftertaste. A special gift from our family to yours, Laphroaig Lore will match well with a variety of foods over the festive season – it’s the perfect dram to sip alongside (or even pour over) your Christmas pudding, dark chocolate, or game meats.

Laphroaig Lore is available in selected whisky specialists and retailers. RRP £84

OLDER AND WISER

In 2015, to celebrate its 200th anniversary, Laphroaig launched a 32 Year Old exclusive – the highest aged whisky it had released in over 8 years. This formed the start of a super premium series which the limited release 27 Year Old Double Matured Laphroaig continues.

To make this exquisite liquid, mature Laphroaig previously aged in hogsheads was transferred into first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and refill quarter casks. Patiently aged in the famous Warehouse No. 1, these casks were then specially selected for a final maturation and bottled at cask strength.

Burnished gold in colour, on the nose Laphroaig 27 Year Old offers ripe tropical fruit, toasted nuts, vanilla cream and fresh leather, which develops into smoke on the palate tempered by limes and stone fruit, giving way to sea salt and mild spice on the finish. Or in Distillery Manager John Campbell’s opinion it is like “dreams of stewed fruit and old potato sacks in the baking sun woken with carbolic soap. Ahh, lemony fresh!” Presented in a white wooden box with hand-carved images of the Laphroaig distillery inside, this exceptional bottling is perfect for that special someone and is the ideal dram to round-off your Christmas feast.

Laphroaig 27 Year Old is available in selected whisky specialists and retailers.

John Campbell, Distillery Manager comments: “Christmas is about sharing what you love with who you love. These three bottlings showcase our passion for making exceptional whiskies and offer Laphroaig lovers something extra special this festive season.”

To find out more information about Laphroaig or how to become a Friend of Laphroaig, please visit www.laphroaig.com. Please enjoy our brand responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

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SPEYBURN 10 YR OLD, 46% EXCLUSIVE BOTTLING at WHISKI SHOP

Our Speyburn 10 year old whisky is a belting wee dram we have bottled in our latest, and continuing range of independent Whiski Bottlings. Carefully selected by our own staff after the arduous task of sampling different whisky casks (yes, we know its hard work) we bring you the 6th release in our series of own exclusive whisky bottlings.

This is a single cask scotch malt whisky Speyburn 10 year old and it is bottled at 46% – limited to just 150 bottles available exclusively at Whiski Shop

This 1st fill ex Bourbon Cask Speyburn whisky surprised us with its character – oak and Caramac bars on the nose and a subtle sweet peat note finish with a long lingering note of fresh vanilla pods.

SPEYBURN DISTILLERY

Speyburn whisky distillery has been producing spirit since Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee and like many of the whisky distilleries of Scotland, it was designed by Charles Doig. Speyburn whisky distillery came with all the mod cons not only located in the beautiful location of the Rothes Glen it also was the first distillery in Scotland to use drum maltings. Today it produces around a million litres of spirit a year.

OUR EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF WHISKY

Over the years we have had a few amazing malt whiskies that we have bottled: from a Single Cask Bunnahabhain whisky sherry bomb to an oily and earthy 14 Year Old Craigellachie whisky, to a spicy 11 year old Benrinnes and even a Glenygone 10 year whisky with citrus lemon notes. We are continuing to search out wonderful casks to bottle and this wee Speyburn whisky is a wonderful whisky to add to our growing range.

Our Speyburn 10 year old whisky is priced at £49.95 – which we find is a fair price to try a single cask whisky – 1 of 150 bottles! This is a Whiski Shop exclusive and can be found in store in Edinburgh or on our web shop

BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY INTRODUCES BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE – A RARE AND UNIQUE CASK-MATURED WHISKEY, AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL 

THE THIRD EDITION IN THE LIMITED RELEASE BUSHMILLS IRISH WHISKEY STEAMSHIP COLLECTION 

Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Monday 2^nd October 2017: Bushmills® Irish Whiskey has announced the launch of BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE – the third and latest edition in THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION® – a rare and unique range of Bushmills Irish Whiskeys inspired by the extraordinary voyages of the steamship SS BUSHMILLS.

As a Global Travel Retail exclusive, this new variant follows the successful launch of Bushmills Irish Whiskey PORT CASK RESERVE and SHERRY CASK RESERVE, marking the 125th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the SS BUSHMILLS.

In 1890, the SS BUSHMILLS set course for America to deliver Bushmills Irish Whiskey to new corners of the globe.  On her extraordinary maiden voyage she established knowledge and relationships with some of the world’s finest wine and spirits producers, before returning home with a variety of their finest seasoned casks. It is these relationships that have served the Old Bushmills Distillery to this day, helping Bushmills master distillers explore the potential of whiskey maturation in exclusive and rare casks.

Helen Mulholland, Master Blender of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, said; “At Bushmills we are known for centuries of innovation, continuously exploring the nuances that different casks impart on our whiskey. BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE is the result of our long-standing relationship with master coopers from Louisville, Kentucky who reserve only the finest American white oak, custom-charred bourbon casks to mature this unique whiskey.

“The amount of char you give a cask has a significant impact on the flavour and this is what makes BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE so special. The seasoned casks are emptied of bourbon and re-charred before being shipped to the Old Bushmills Distillery where we fill them exclusively with triple-distilled Bushmills Single Malt Irish Whiskey.  By using a custom char we are able to draw out incredible spicy, honeyed vanilla flavours from deep within the fine grain American white oak.  The resulting whiskey has subtle notes of toasted oak, spices and crème brûlée with a long, rich and smooth finish.”

PROXIMO Global Travel Retail Director David Phelan added: “We know shoppers within travel retail seek unique products they cannot get in their domestic markets so BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE demonstrates our passion and commitment to meeting this consumer demand. To date, THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION has been a firm favourite with travellers and we’re looking forward to the response we get from this exquisite new liquid once it goes on sale in early 2018.”

Priced at RSP £50 for 1L, travellers can pick up a bottle of BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE from early 2018, alongside the SHERRY CASK RESERVE and PORT CASK RESERVE editions at selected global travel retail outlets.

Notes

• BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE is available in 1L
• BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE has an RRP of GBP 50
• BOURBON #3 CHAR CASK RESERVE has an ABV of 40%

BOURBON #3 CHAR  CASK RESERVE will be available to sample from the PROXIMO stand (16 Bay Village) at the Tax Free World Exhibition, Cannes (1^st-6^th October).  Visitors to the stand will also have the opportunity to sample a range of innovative spirits from the wider PROXIMO portfolio.

About Bushmills® Irish Whiskey

Bushmills® Irish Whiskey is crafted with care at the Old Bushmills Distillery in the village of Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. As Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery – making triple distilled malt whiskey and producing both blended and single malt whiskey – our unmatched malt is at the heart of all Bushmills® Irish Whiskeys and creates a unique combination of smoothness and richness.

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About PROXIMO

PROXIMO is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands includes the world’s largest selling tequila, Jose Cuervo®, Bushmills® Irish Whiskey, The Kraken® Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP® American Whiskey  and Boodles® British Gin.

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THE MACALLAN TOPS BONHAMS BEST EVER WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH

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

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

Other highlights included:

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

 NOTES  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experienced team 

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

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

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

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

Exciting opportunities ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two World Records Broken by Whisky Cask at Spink Auction 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes :

About Cask 88

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

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About Spink

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

Iconic “lost” distilleries revived in major scotch investment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For further information visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com

LOCH LOMOND 50 YEAR OLD TASTING NOTES

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

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

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

About the Loch Lomond Group:

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

About the brands:

Loch Lomond Whiskies:

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

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin:

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

Loch Lomond Inchmoan:

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

Other brands from the Loch Lomond Group:

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

·         Glen’s Vodka / Glen’s Platinum Vodka

STILL AUSTIN WHISKEY CO. OPENS ITS DOORS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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