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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

http://www.dutchspirits.com/

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

Event:                            Tor Na Coille Whisky Tasting Dinner

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

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

Price:                             £45 per person

Booking:                       info@tornacoille.com or 01330 822242

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes: 

The Glenburgie Single Malt

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

The Miltonduff Single Malt

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

The Glentauchers Single Malt

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

About Ballantine’s

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

www.ballantines.com

@Ballantines

About Chivas Brothers

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

www.chivasspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

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

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

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

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

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

Glengoyne unveils latest Jolomo limited edition

One of Scotland’s most picturesque distilleries, Glengoyne, has revealed the second in a series of limited edition gift tin releases in partnership with one of the country’s best-loved contemporary artists.

‘Heavy Snow at Glengoyne Distillery’ by John Lowrie Morrison, also known as Jolomo, was unveiled today (27 September 2017). It’s the second in a collection of four seasonal paintings of the distillery commissioned by Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The artwork has been printed on limited edition whisky gift tins, available from today.

The original painting will be auctioned and the proceeds from this, along with a donation from Glengoyne, will go towards The Mackintosh Campus Appeal to help The Glasgow School of Art recover the tragic 2014 fire in the Mackintosh building. It is hoped that £50,000 will be raised for the cause over the course of the four-year project.

Katy Macanna, Brand Manager for Glengoyne, said: “We are delighted to have Glengoyne immortalised by such an esteemed Scottish artist. The artwork that Jolomo has created is simply unique, and captures the essence of Glengoyne perfectly.

“As a distillery in such close proximity to Glasgow, we’re proud to continue our collaboration with Jolomo, helping to secure the future of the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh building, one of the city’s most important cultural landmarks. We’re pleased that the sale of this magnificent painting, and the limited edition whisky tins, will help to raise funds and international awareness of this very worthy cause.

“Given winter is the season portrayed on the artwork, we believe the Glengoyne 10 Year Old limited edition tins will be a very popular gift this Christmas – the perfect present for art and whisky lovers alike.”

Each limited edition tin contains a bottle of the Glengoyne 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt and a print of Heavy Snow at Glengoyne Distillery. They’re available to buy online for £35.49 from www.glengoyne.com, from the distillery shop and specialist and independent retailers.

One of Scotland’s most successful artists, and a former student at the Glasgow School of Art, John Lowrie Morrison’s history with the school makes him a passionate supporter of the Mackintosh Campus Appeal.

John Lowrie Morrison, said: “I am where I am today because of Glasgow School of Art. I am delighted to continue to help The Mackintosh Campus Appeal with this latest commission. I understand that the first tin in the series sold out very quickly, and I expect this one will do the same.

“My idea for this painting came from sketches I’ve done and photographs I have taken over many years around Glengoyne Distillery. My family had a hut at Carbeth and I used to come along here on my bike and sketch the distillery and the surrounding area. When I won a landscape painting scholarship from the Royal Academy Schools in 1971, I didn’t go abroad, I came to the hut at Carbeth and painted and sketched all around this area, particularly around Dumgoyne Hill.”

Alan Horn, Director of Development at The Glasgow School of Art, responsible for The Mackintosh Campus Appeal, said “The first Glengoyne 10 Year Old limited edition Jolomo tin was a fantastic boost to our £32m fundraising appeal, generating great publicity and much needed financial support. We are most grateful that Glengoyne and Jolomo have chosen to continue that support through a second limited edition. We are also delighted that this continues our amazing relationship with our alumnus John Lowrie Morrison OBE, who has consistently been a generous supporter, in a variety of ways since 2014, of our project to restore the Mackintosh building authentically and sympathetically.”

Nestled into Dumgoyne Hill with the mountains of Loch Lomond in the distance, Glengoyne is considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful distilleries. Just 14 miles north of Glasgow, Glengoyne sits on the border between Highland and Lowland whisky regions.

www.glengoyne.com

http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/

Notes:

About Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky:

Glengoyne, uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the complex, sweet flavours for which the malt is known. The Glengoyne Highland Single Malt range is matured in the finest sherry casks from within its traditional dunnage warehouses.

About Glasgow School of Art:

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) was founded in 1845 as one of the first Government Schools of Design, as a centre of creativity promoting good design for the manufacturing industries of Glasgow.  However, the School’s lineage can be traced to 1753, when Robert Foulis established a school of art and design in Glasgow, described as “the single most influential factor in the development of eighteenth-century Scottish Art”.  Today, The GSA is internationally recognised as one of Europe’s leading university-level institutions for the visual creative disciplines.

The studio-based approach to research and teaching brings disciplines together to explore problems in new ways to find new innovative solutions.  The studio creates the environment for inter-disciplinarily, peer learning, critical inquiry, experimentation and prototyping, helping to addressing many of the grand challenges confronting society and contemporary business.

www.gsa.ac.uk

About Jolomo:

John Lowrie Morrison was born in Glasgow and trained at Glasgow School of Art. He worked in education for 25 years, taking up painting full-time in 1997. He lives and works in Argyll. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of the West of Scotland and from the University of Abertay, Dundee. In 2011, he received an OBE for services to art and charity in Scotland. He was the subject of a major retrospective exhibition at Clydebank Town Hall Museum & Art Gallery in summer 2013, and a major show in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow, in November 2015. John and his wife Maureen are Vice Presidents of the charity Carers Trust, along with HRH The Princess Royal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes to editors:

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

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

Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015

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

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

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES 2017 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS 

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

Here’s what fans can expect this year:

George T. Stagg

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

William Larue Weller

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

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye

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

Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

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

Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

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

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

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

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

BENROMACH DISTILLERY UNVEILS NEW WOOD FINISH 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes to Editors

Tasting notes

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

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

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

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

About Benromach

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery, was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

The Cube – bringing mainstream spirits to consumers in Cameroon

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

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

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

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

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

Fine Art Asia Puts Antique Whisky In The Frame 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes 

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

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

Notes:

About Cask 88

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

cask88.com

Follow Cask 88 on Twitter: @88Cask

Like Cask 88 on Facebook: facebook.com/cask88

About Fine Art Asia

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

fineartasia.com 

About Paul Charlton

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

paulcharlton.co.uk

About Hamilton & Inches

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

hamiltonandinches.com

About Darach

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

darachgifts.co.uk

About Gordiola

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

gordiola.com