Canadian Couple to Open Single Malt Scotch Distillery in Edinburgh

– Founders of Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada Partner with Former Macallan Master Distiller-

There’s a fresh face coming to the world of Scotch with a special Canadian connection. Canadians Kelly and Rob Carpenter have partnered with former Macallan Master Distiller, David Robertson, to establish the first Scotch whisky distillery to come to Edinburgh in more than 90 years. Located in a 180 year-old historic railway building in the heart of city, Holyrood Distillery will aim to provide adventurous, flavour-driven whisky and a unique visitor experience.

The Carpenters have been at the forefront of the Scotch industry in Canada, founding the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in 2011, which bottles and sells single-cask single malts to its members. For the Carpenters, Holyrood Distillery is an opportunity to get a step closer to the production and deepen their involvement in growing the single-malt Scotch industry.

“As longtime Scotch enthusiasts, being a part of Holyrood Distillery is a dream come true,” said Robert Carpenter, Managing Director, Holyrood Distillery. “Our mission has always been to introduce new flavour profiles with whisky and expand consumer knowledge and palates. Canadians have shown a growing interest in original, high quality single malts so we are particularly excited to have one of our first test markets be in our own backyard.”

“In the last 13-15 years, the demand for single-malt whiskies has grown significantly,” said Andrew Ferguson, Scotch whisky expert and owner of Kensington Wine Market in Calgary. “Much like the craft beer movement, distilleries today have to develop new products and styles to keep up with evolving consumer tastes. Holyrood Distillery will be addressing a clear gap in the current market by committing to producing bold and inventive spirits”

The distillery will produce single malt whisky as well as gin and select liqueurs using an innovative approach to ingredients, distilling processes and maturation techniques. Production of single malts will begin in late 2018, with the first bottles hitting shelves as early as 2021, while other spirits will be available as soon as the distillery opens. Eager whisky aficionados will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Holyrood much earlier, however, as the distillery will allow visitors to witness the process behind the product and enjoy local fares at an on-site bar and restaurant.

Holyrood Distillery recently launched a $7 million funding drive to raise capital to cover the costs of early start-up and production.

ROB DYRDEK, TRAVIS PASTRANA AND JEREMY RAWLE PARTNER TO INTRODUCE A TRUE AMERICAN WHISKEY WORKHORSE: BLACK FEATHER WHISKEY

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 10, 2017) – Black Feather Whiskey announces the official launch of their new 86-proof American bourbon. Founded by three successful media and entertainment platform founders, Jeremy Rawle and Travis Pastrana from the Nitro Circus franchise; and investor Rob Dyrdek, known for his shows on MTV in which he has both starred in and produced, the three set out to create a reliable, hardworking, everyday American whiskey and apply their lifestyle lens to an exclusively product-centric industry.

“We founded Black Feather Whiskey for those wanting a whiskey with some soul. Those who aren’t afraid of hard work or getting their hands dirty. Those who want a whiskey that’s as much of a workhorse as they are.” said Jeremy Rawle, Chief Executive Officer Black Feather Whiskey. “It’s about living what you love—finding that creative fire to forge ahead and make things happen.”

As a true whiskey workhorse, Black Feather was created to be accessible and welcoming to all levels of whiskey drinking – aficionados, explorers, and new bloods. It’s satisfyingly strong. It lets you know it’s there, but it’s not going burn or scare you away. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. “As whiskey lovers, we wanted to make a smooth ride of a whiskey you don’t have to work to drink. It starts big with an 86-proof kick, then an easy-going, sugar-char finish,” said Rawle.

Black Feather will leverage the team’s heritage and expertise in building high quality products and experiences to bring the brand to life. Preferring to let their actions speak more than words, the Black Feather team will be engaging their fan base by delivering compelling content series and events, highlighting the artists, craftsmen, creators, tradesmen and doers who were forged by creative fires. These bold blooded honors the past by fearlessly making their own version unapologetically living everything they love.

“I am not only excited for the opportunity to invest, but also to step into the active advisory role to help support bringing this whiskey life,” said Rob Dyrdek, Co-Founder of Black Feather Whiskey. “I am incredibly selective about the companies I partner with, however Black Feather immediately rose above, due to the innovative and passionate group of individuals driving the brand that embody this “Do-or-Dier” spirit.” Black Feather Whiskey is made with handpicked allotments from Indiana, bottled in Houston, Texas and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The first American Bourbon offer is available in 750 ml bottle at $30.00. Beginning this July, Black Feather Whiskey will be available in Texas and Utah with California and Colorado and online orders to follow in the coming months.

About Black Feather Whiskey 

Inspired by the past, but made for today, Black Feather is the American Workhorse Whiskey for those fueled by creative fires. The lifelong friends and founders wanted to create a quality craft product that was still accessible and welcoming to everyone. It starts big with an 86-proof kick, and rewards you with an easy-going, sugar-char finish. It’s an all occasions, great tasting, hardworking, premium, understated, right in every way for everyone whiskey. The stories they share and their passion for the details makes it the go-to for the whiskey drinker who demands something a little more. Welcome to the Featherhood.

To learn more about upcoming events, news and content releases and to join the #Featherhood, please visit blackfeatherwhiskey.com and on social: Facebook: facebook.com/blackfeatherwhiskey, Twitter: @bfwhiskey and Instagram: @blackfeatherwhiskey

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY BREAKS WITH ITS TRADITION TO RELEASE FIRST-EVER BLENDED MALT

Experimental ‘Exotic Cargo’ blend sees unconventional whisky club continue its mission to explore new flavours

The world of Scotch whisky is being taken by surprise with the release of Exotic Cargo, the first-ever blended malt* from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), the industry’s foremost experts on single cask, single malts.  The experimental new 10 year old blended malt is available in the UK and EU from 1^st September at SMWS.com, before being released to international markets including the US, Canada and Australia.

The Society will always focus on single cask, single malt whisky, but this finely balanced blended malt with a heavy sherry influence is the latest example of its mission to explore the full spectrum of flavours in whisky and other spirits.

For ‘Exotic Cargo’, The Society’s spirits manager Euan Campbell sourced a number of pre-blended malt whiskies, all distilled on the same day on 2006, and all matured in firstfill ex-sherry casks.  A number of blends at various strengths were then tried before the Society’s expert Tasting Panel selected a blend with a reduced strength of 50% abvwhich they describe as a “sherry-soaked cruise into paradise”.

In typically evocative Society style, the Exotic Cargo tasting notes read: “A wooden ship is sailing through the tropics with an exotic cargo of spices, scented flowers, medjool dates and mangoes… close your eyes and drift away on this sherry-soaked cruise into paradise.”

The Society revealed the blended malt to its members first, with a selection of volunteers being sent preview samples to feedback on.

Commenting on the whisky’s release, Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director at SMWS said: “The Society has always had an unconventional streak and we’re really breaking the mould of what can be done with a blended malt.  We’re looking to our members for feedback on the bottle before releasing further intriguing creations, however, we’re sure they will be as eager as ever to get their hands and palates on what truly is a piece of exotic cargo.”

In its 34-year history, the Society has established a reputation for its unconventional approach to whisky; from focusing on single casks and not revealing the names of distilleries to bottling other spirits such as liqueurs, cider brandy and pioneering the bottling of Japanese whisky.

‘Exotic Cargo’ (£45) is available in an Outturn of 1,937 bottles, and as with all Society single malts, is neither chill-filtered nor coloured.

In July earlier this year, The SMWS released a new Single Cask Spirits brand for its rum, gin, cognac, bourbon and non-malt whisky releases. Later in the year, rye and grain whiskies will also be added to the range.

* Blended malt whisky refers to a combination of single malts, married together from more than one distillery. Unlike a blended whisky, a blended malt whisky does not contain any grain whisky. Prior to 2009, blended malts were sometimes also referred to as vatted or pure malts, but those terms are no longer permitted by the Scotch Whisky Association. 

https://www.smws.com

https://www.smws.com/blog/2017/08/18/introducing-exotic-cargo/

@smwsuk #smws

https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk  

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 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   Sample Subscription – free.

o   Visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

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

The 2017 Kilchoman West Coast Tour is almost upon us, and it’s not too late to make plans to attend one of the tastings!

For the tour, Kilchoman distillery released a limited release of Machir Bay, bottled at cask strength.

You can pick up one of these collectible bottles with a custom label at any of the participating locations, on the day of the tasting at that location.  Additionally, you can talk Kilchoman with the sons of the distiller – George and Peter, dressed in Scottish regalia, while they sign your tour bottle, or anything else you want to bring for them to sign.

ABV: 60%
Bottles Available: 840
RRP: $75-$80

Check out the graphic below, as well as the detailed schedule below that.

9/4 – THE MIXING GLASS   1-4pm

• 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
• +1 714-975-9952

9/4 – SEVEN GRAND   6-7pm

• 515 W 7th St #200, Los Angeles, CA 90014
• +1 213-614-0736

9/5 – EVERSON ROYCE BAR

• 1936 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
• +1 213-335-6166
• at the Silverlake Fine Arts District

9/5 – SILVERLAKE WINES

• 1948 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
• +1 213-335-6235

9/6 – THE DAILY PINT   7:30-9:30pm (SOLD OUT)

• 2310 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
• +1 310-450-7631

9/7 – WADES WINES   6-9pm

• 30961 Agoura Rd #321, Westlake Village, CA 91361
• +1 818-597-9463

9/8 –  TOTAL WINE   12-3pm

• 1010 N Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View, CA 94043
• +1 650-965-8422

9/8 – USBG (United States Bartender’s Guild) at SP2   12-2:00pm

• 72 Almaden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
• +1 408-299-2000
• free for current USBG members and $10 for non-members

9/8 – K&L WINE MERCHANTS   4-7pm

•  3005 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94061
• +1 650-364-8544

9/8 – PALO ALTO FINE WINE   7-9pm

• 3163 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
• +1 650-494-3640

9/9 – THE WHISKY SHOP

• 360 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108
• +1 415-989-1030

9/10 – BEER BARON   4:30-7:00

• 336 St Mary St, Pleasanton, CA 94566
• +1 925-223-8577

9/11 – PAPER PLANE   5-8:30

• 72 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
• +1 408-713-2625

9/12 – MULTNOMAH WHISKEY LIBRARY   6pm / 7:30

• 1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205
• +1 503-954-1381
• (MUST RSVP)

9/13 – THE HIGHLAND STILLHOUSE   6-9pm

•  201 S 2nd St, Oregon City, OR 97045
• +1 503-723-6789

9/14 – DOWNTOWN SPIRITS   6:30

• 2300 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
• +1 206-812-6591

9/15 – THE BARREL THIEF   4-6pm

• 3417 Evanston Ave N #102, Seattle, WA 98103
• +1 206-402-5492

(Some of the times are not listed because they’re still being finalized.  Please stay tuned to our website for up-to-date details on times and other details. ) And just in case, here is a link to the Google Map which has the locations, to help you navigate there.

CHIVAS REGAL ULTIS TOASTS SUCCESS AT INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2017

Chivas Regal Ultis, the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas Regal, is celebrating its latest success after being crowned the best non-age statement Scotch whisky at the 22^nd annual International Spirits Challenge (ISC) ceremony in London.

The event, regarded as the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competition in the world, saw its experienced panel of specialist judges unanimous in their praise for Chivas Regal Ultis, with each recognising the style and complexity of Chivas Regal’s ultimate whisky. After undergoing the rigorous blind tasting process by the ISC’s judges, Chivas Regal Ultlis was crowned the best Scotch blend with no age statement.

Chivas Regal Ultis is a blend of five single malts: Tormore, Longmorn, Strathisla, Allt A’Bhainne and Braeval. Created in tribute to the five master blenders who have maintained the Chivas house style since 1909, the blend draws on expertise that has been handed down throughout the centuries to give a rounded, complex and full-flavoured whisky.

Sandy Hyslop, Director of Blending at Chivas Brothers, commented: “Chivas Regal Ultis truly embodies the essence of Chivas Regal, and all that it represents, so we’re delighted it has been awarded a trophy at this year’s ISC. Less than 1% of our entire inventory of whisky was selected to make Ultis, using only five of our signature single malts. This creation is a remarkable achievement of craftsmanship by our legendary blending team who personify all that is celebrated about Chivas Regal and its legacy. I am thrilled that our work has been recognised and celebrated by the industry experts.”

The ceremony was attended by Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender, Colin Scott, who accepted the award on behalf of the team.

This most recent win tops a long list of recent awards for Chivas Regal Ultis including gold medals at The Scotch Whisky Masters and International Wine and Spirits Competition.

NH Liquor Commission Launches State’s First Raffle of Pappy Van Winkle’s Full Line of Rare Bourbons

Prize package includes Pappy Van Winkle’s 10-year, 12-year, 15-year, 20- and 23-year bourbons; proceeds to benefit Best Buddies New Hampshire

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is giving whiskey enthusiasts the exclusive opportunity to obtain the entire collection of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, including the extremely rare Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. NHLC’s Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience marks the first and only occasion to acquire Pappy Van Winkle’s full line of exclusive bourbons in New Hampshire history. The raffle will support Best Buddies New Hampshire.

Only 500 tickets will be available at http://distillersshowcase.com/pappyraffle. Tickets cost $100 and are on sale now until October 13.

Along with the full collection of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, the prize package includes a trip to New Hampshire for an exclusive Pappy Van Winkle tasting and fine dining experience, and VIP access to the Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits, the largest spirits tasting event in New England featuring more than 400 premium and ultra-premium spirits.

“We are proud to offer our customers from across the country this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain the full line of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons—perhaps the most sought-after bourbons on the planet,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “This initiative is indicative of our commitment to offering customers limited, rare and premium products. While our primary focus is always driving revenue for the New Hampshire General Fund, this raffle also showcases our commitment to supporting New Hampshire nonprofits. We are honored to partner with Best Buddies New Hampshire, which is making a tremendous impact for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

In its inaugural effort last year, NHLC raffled a single bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The raffle generated more than $10,000 for the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association. Building on the success and momentum of last year’s initiative, NHLC made the decision to expand the Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience to feature the entire Pappy Van Winkle line.

The full prize package for the Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience includes:

One bottle each of:

Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon

o Van Winkle Special Reserve 12yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

o Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

o Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

o Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Two VIP tickets to Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits

Two seats at an intimate and exclusive Pappy Van Winkle Tasting Dinner on Wednesday, November 8, at Hanover Street Chop House – rated one of the “Best Steakhouses in America” by OpenTable. The five-course dinner will include samples from Pappy Van Winkle’s full line of bourbons.

Coach airfare for two to New Hampshire

Hotel accommodations for two nights in Manchester

Best Buddies’ programs allow students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take part in age-appropriate social activities as part of one-to-one friendships. Through monthly group activities and talking with friends at least once a week, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get to experience friendship—all while building a life-giving social network outside of their families and service providers.

“Best Buddies New Hampshire is honored to have been chosen as the non-profit partner by NHLC,” said Best Buddies New Hampshire Director Sarra Dennehy. “As the recipient of the raffle’s proceeds, we plan to expand our School Friendship Programs, as well as work toward bringing much-needed programming to our adult population with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. We are so grateful NHLC is committed to supporting our mission of inclusion and friendship for everyone.”

NHLC will host the fifth annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits on Thursday, November 9, at the Radisson Hotel Manchester. The event draws a capacity crowd of more than 1,000 guests, who sample from more than 400 spirits, including various styles of whiskey, rye, Scotch, tequila, vodka, rum, gin, cordials and liqueurs. For more information, visit http://distillersshowcase.com.

Photos & Captions

Caption: The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is launching the Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience, marking the first and only occasion to acquire Pappy Van Winkle’s full line of exclusive bourbons in New Hampshire history. The raffle will support Best Buddies New Hampshire.

Caption: In the Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is giving whiskey enthusiasts the exclusive opportunity to obtain the entire collection of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, including the extremely rare Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The initiative will raise critical funding in support of Best Buddies New Hampshire, which allows students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take part in age-appropriate social activities as part of one-to-one friendships.

About the New Hampshire Liquor Commission The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) operates 80 retail locations throughout the Granite State and serves more than 11 million customers each year. More than $3 billion in net profits has been raised since the first store opened in 1934. NHLC set an all-time sales record in Fiscal Year 2016, generating $678.4 million in gross sales, an increase of $36.3 million – or 5.65% – over the previous fiscal year. Total liquor net profits reached $159 million, of which $156 million was transferred to the New Hampshire General Fund, which is used to fund programs including education, health and social services, transportation and natural resource protection. An additional $3 million was transferred to New Hampshire’s Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Treatment Fund, which utilizes a percentage of NHLC profits to fund addiction treatment and prevention programs.

Visit www.LiquorandWineOutlets.com to locate a store, search for product availability, learn about monthly sales, review wine tasting schedules, and sign up to receive significant savings with monthly Email Extras.

About Best Buddies New Hampshire Best Buddies New Hampshire (BBNH) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities and autism. NH fulfills this mission by providing 8 different programs to middle school, high school and college students, and the greater community. Best Buddies was founded in 1989 when Anthony K. Shriver observed the unjustified lack of opportunity for people with IDD to socialize with their peers without disabilities. Best Buddies has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,970 middle school, high school and college chapters located in all 50 states along with 54 international locations.

Best Buddies New Hampshire (BBNH) is a state affiliate of Best Buddies International. Since the Best Buddies New Hampshire office opened in January 2014, we have expanded to 30 colleges, high schools, and middle schools. Our programs support over 750 students with and without IDD. These participants impact over 7,500 people in the community, spreading our mission of inclusion. As of January, 2017, we expanded into Maine and Vermont.

Wemyss Family Collection introduced to the Wemyss blended malt range

Family run, independent bottler Wemyss Malts is releasing a new range of blended Scotch malt whiskies that have been produced from the family’s private collection of maturing whisky casks. Rather than use whisky that has been purchased mature and ready to blend, Wemyss Malts has over the past decade sourced oak cask varieties to partner with single malt spirit selected from some of Scotland’s foremost distilleries.

Under the guidance of industry experts including Charlie Maclean, the Wemyss family have handpicked casks that show the perfect balance between wood and whisky to craft exceptional blended malt whiskies. Each yearly Wemyss Family Collection release will focus on one specific influence that impacts whisky, be it regional, malt style or cask effect.

The first two releases of the Wemyss Family Collection represent two opposite whisky styles; that of bourbon cask matured and sherry cask matured whisky. In keeping with other releases from Wemyss Malts, these new bottlings have been given flavour led names by the Wemyss tasting panel:

Vanilla Burst is the first release of the Wemyss Family Collection range and is a blend of only 2 Speyside single malts with a light and fruity character that were chosen to mature in 15 1^st-fill Ex-bourbon barrels. The 4800 bottles of Vanilla Burst perfectly demonstrate an intense 1st fill bourbon wood influence on a light and sweet Speyside malt Scotch whisky.

Treacle Chest, selected as the second release of the Wemyss Family Collection range is a blend of only 2 Highland single malts with a sweet, cereal character that were chosen to be matured in just 14 1^st-fill ex-sherry hogsheads. The resulting 6300 bottles of Treacle Chest are a perfect example of how rich and weighty 1st fill ex-sherry casks influence unpeated Highland Scotch malt whisky.

Both blended malts are bottled non chill-filtered, at natural colour and are 46% abv. They are presented in screen printed 70cl bottles with a striking charcoal and copper detailed gift carton.

William Wemyss, Founder and Managing Director at Wemyss Malts, commented: “It is with great anticipation and excitement that we release to the drinks enthusiast and whisky community the first two Wemyss Family Collection bottlings. We are very proud of the quality of these two blended malts and look forward to seeing how future yearly releases will compare.”

Isabella Wemyss, Director of Production at Wemyss Malts stated: “Great effort and time has been taken to ensure the Wemyss Family Collection will be remarkable blended malts, from the very first steps of selecting the spirit and sourcing exceptional casks from around the world, to selecting and blending the mature casks under the supervision of leading industry professionals.”

Wemyss Family Collection; Vanilla Burst and Treacle Chest will be available mid-August from selected retailers in the UK, EU and key Asian markets with suggested retail prices of £43 and £47.

Notes:

• Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is owned by the Wemyss family and their family seat in the brand logo is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• The Wemyss Family Collection joins 2 other blended malt ranges that include The Hive, Spice King and Peat Chimney bottled non chill-filtered at 46% and in small batch, batch strength as well as a blended Scotch range, Lord Elcho.
• Wemyss blended malts have won prestigious World Whisky Awards five times: The Hive 12yo in 2012, Spice King 12yo in 2013, Velvet Fig in 2015, Kiln Embers in 2016 and Peat Chimney Batch Strength in 2017.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include Darnley’s Gin, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.
• The family has opened a single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife and in July 2017 opened Darnley’s Gin distillery on site. www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

Experience Europe’s largest Whisky event Live in Paris

Whisky Live, Europe’s largest Whisky event, is back for its 14th edition in Paris – the event’s spiritual home – where whisky and spirits aficionados can revel in the world’s best selection of aged spirits and fine liquors.

Whisky Live Paris 2017, held on the 23rd – 25th of September, is a unique opportunity during which visitors can stroll through a space entirely dedicated to honouring 150 whiskies and spirits from over thirty countries, while experiencing exclusive tastings and inventive mixology creations.

This event, worthy of a trip to Paris, not only showcases the best from around the globe, but also serves as the stage for many world premieres, as-well-as an opportunity to meet distillers and unleash the inner connoisseur. The new free line-up of exclusive masterclasses on the 23rd and 24th – conducted by some of the world’s leading experts – will allow guests to expand their knowledge and appreciation for fine spirits.

Richard Paterson, Master Blender – Jura & Dalmore will kick off the classes on the Saturday, followed by a packed schedule with: Jan Beckers, Global Malt Ambassador – Douglas Laing, and Luca Gargano from Maison Velier. Sunday begins with John Glaser, Whiskey Maker – Compass Box & Dave Broom, followed by masterclasses with Tadashi Sakuma, Master Blender – Nikka, and Alexandre Gabriel from Maison Ferrand.

Due to its huge success in 2016, Cocktail Street* will once again be open to the general public from September 22nd – 25th 2017. The only event of its kind, it will be bigger and better than ever before this year with an entire pop-up street along the banks of the Seine exclusively dedicated to food & cocktails.

The most prestigious brands within the world of refreshments will present their creations, and drinks venues from abroad will be entirely recreated just a few feet below the Whisky Live main event. The Food Market will once again offer exclusive selections of foods and DJs will play throughout for a lively atmosphere!

The countdown is now on and tickets are selling fast. There are a number of options for those wishing to spend an unforgettable weekend sampling the world’s finest spirits and food in the splendour of Paris.

The Discovery Pass provides, among other things, unlimited access to the Tasting Hall stands, two free cocktails at the Cocktail Street, a 10% discount in the Whisky Live Paris pop-up store and other great goodies described more in detail by the ticket office.

VIP Passes are also available; these cost € 120 for a 1 day VIP Pass and € 195 for the weekend VIP Pass.

With this VIP access, spirits enthusiasts will be able to benefit from all the advantages of the discovery pass one hour before the official opening of the event, and will gain exclusive access to the VIP area to taste rare and exceptional spirits.

To book tickets, or to learn more about the event, visit www.whiskylive.fr, and make sure to follow @WhiskyLiveParis on Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest updates.

Whisky Live Paris 2017 will open its doors to the public on the 23rd and 24th of September, and on the 25th September for the trade professionals, at La Cité de La Mode et du Design.

*Cocktail Street is an external event, which is open to the public, running parallel to Whisky Live.

As well as this, we have a limited number of Double Passes, which can be used as prizes for competitions and giveaways – please let us know if this is of interest.

For more information, pictures or cocktail recipes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:

About Whisky Live Paris

The 2017 edition will open its doors at La Cite de La Mode et du Design for the public on the 23th and 24th September, and on the 25th September for professionals. The second edition of Cocktail Street will take place on the platforms in parallel with a free entrance: a unique concept where ephemeral bars and street food stalls coexist to offer an unusual experience to the public, in parallel of Whisky Live Paris.

From Shanghai to New York, via London and Johannesburg, Whisky Live is an international event that gets capitals’ pulses racing throughout the year. For more than 14 years now, Paris has hosted the annual Whisky Live event at the end of September, which has grown over the years to become Europe’s largest tasting event. With a rich programme of tastings (150 brands present), meetings and talks (Masterclasses), and entertainment with Cocktail Street (cocktail bars, food pairing), Whisky Live Paris is the annual event for whisky and fine spirits enthusiasts. In 2016, Whisky Live Paris welcomed over 9,000 visitors serving more than 17 000 cocktails throughout the event .

NOTE: There are opportunities for journalists to attend Whisky Live Paris, and for select interviews with masterclass presenters and some expert spokespeople from the industry. If you are interested in attending or wish to conduct an interview, please let us know and we will happily arrange this.

The Art of Distilling:

Speyside Distillery launches luxury limited edition whiskies featuring stunning wildlife images 

A Scottish distillery with one of the most impressive heritages in the industry has released, for the first time, a limited edition, single malt whisky collection which will significantly enhance its global reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after exclusive brands.

Speyside Distillery, set in the foothills of the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains, has launched the luxurious PSTA/SPEY Speyside Wildlife Collection in support of the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts (PSTA).

The rare whisky bottles in the new collection feature stunning portraits of the wildlife found in the vicinity of the distillery and complement the original art which features in the company’s new office, Gallery & Lounge, in Glasgow’s Art District.

The artwork has been created by Joanna McDonough, PSTA graduate and Speyside Distillery’s Artist in Residence.

The range also features, amongst others, an exquisite SPEY Byron Crystal Cabinet, decanter and eight crystal glasses which Speyside Distillery invited designated craftsmen to the Royal family, Titchmarsh & Goodwin, to create. It was designed by Joanna and John McDonough.

The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts is a charity founded by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2004 with which Speyside Distillery has a longstanding connection.

Officially launching the collection to selected guests last week Speyside Distillery CEO Mr McDonough said: “We are delighted to extend our support of the PSTA with the release of our limited edition Speyside Wildlife Collection.

“The new collection emphasises the strong connection we have with the school and the wonderful and beautiful, natural environment in which we create our single malt whisky.”

Artist in Residence at Speyside Distillery, Joanna McDonough said: “My inspiration for the artwork in the gallery, and which appears on each bottle, has drawn on the natural beauty and wildlife of Speyside.”

The distillery, operated by Speyside Distillers, has been committed to extending the ‘Art of Distilling’ into actual sponsorship of art charities through its support of the PSTA. Joanna will take up an artist in residency at Dumfries House, near Auchinleck, Ayrshire, later this year.

Speyside Distillery Managing Director Patricia Dillon said: “The launch of these rare whiskies featuring our Artist in Residence’s work and the opening of our new SPEY Gallery & Lounge is in support of the PSTA, Scotch whisky and Traditional Arts and we are delighted to be in the Glasgow Art District.”

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. It is home to the SPEY from Speyside Distillery range of International award winning single malt Scotch whiskies.

Prices and more detail on the range are available on application.

Notes 

SPEY is one of the biggest selling brands in Taiwan, accounting for 70% of its total sales. It also sells in a further 34 markets around the world. The brand has recently won 5 medals at the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Awards) for expressions in the SPEY portfolio including SPEY Tenne, Fumare, Trutina, 18yo and Chairman’s Choice.

Murray McDavid would like to invite you to their ‘Malt on the Mountain’ Day to celebrate our 2017 new release of 21 inspired whiskies. This special event looks set to be one of their most fun and interesting to date. 

Ben Rinnes Mountain towers majestically over the Benrinnes Distillery and the spirit that flows from its stills is equally as impressive. In the morning, you will tour Benrinnes Distillery which is not open to the public. However, the Murray McDavid team are excited to be able to offer you a rare opportunity to step inside its doors. Then, in the local village hall, there will be traditional Scottish entertainment whilst we serve tea, coffee and refreshments. 

At 12 noon, you’ll be invited to join members of the Murray McDavid Team and others, who will set off up Ben Rinnes Mountain; a three-hour trip to the top and back. If you seek a more leisurely day, there’ll be a buffet lunch, an afternoon whisky tasting and a demonstration of barrel making by our very own cooper, who will share the secrets of his craft. 

At 3pm, there’ll be a gentle walk to Braeside, a beautiful private location with stunning views of Ben Rinnes. Here, all guests will assemble for the grand opening of a barrel of Benrinnes single malt whisky which will be enjoyed direct from the cask – a possible first in the history of Speyside! 

In the evening (7.30pm), it’s party time! There’ll be dinner, a quiz with great prizes, music and entertainment including the famous Whisky Bard, Robin Laing. But, most importantly, it’ll be an evening for enjoying lots of fine whisky with friends. 

There is a very limited number of tickets available for this exclusive whisky event. If you would like to join the Murray McDavid family for the day and buy one of the 60 available tickets, please contact Dean.Jode@Murray-McDavid.com, as soon as possible. (We are selling tickets on a first come, first served basis). There will be minibuses running to and from the village hall to local towns and hotels, so you can truly relax and enjoy the day. 

For more Information, please follow the link HERE