EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

About The Glenlivet 

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

About Chivas Brothers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘In a perfumed garden’ TASTING NOTE

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

‘Meeting an old master’ TASTING NOTE

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

https://www.smws.com/blog/news/the-vaults-collection/

https://www.smws.com/whisky-club-membership

@smwsuk #smws

https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk

“Meeting an Old Master” Photo Credit – Peter Dibdin

Notes to editors:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 132 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers different levels of membership

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

o   Member at £61.50 – without gift box

o   Visit www.smws.com/society-membership

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

Cotswolds Distillery releases highly-anticipated Single Malt Whisky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTES: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GLENMORANGIE LAUNCHES BEYOND THE CASK 2017 WITH BICYCLES MADE FROM WHISKY CASKS 

In honour of the wood which matures The Original, Glenmorangie has formed an innovative collaboration with bicycle pioneer Renovo, to create a ground-breaking limited edition of bicycles from the whisky’s casks.

It takes a decade of patient maturation in the finest casks – only ever used twice – to create the smoother, rounder taste of Glenmorangie’s signature single malt, The Original. Inspired by the character that the ex-bourbon casks bring to the whisky, the award-winning Highland distillery brings new life to their staves, in the world’s first bicycles made from whisky casks.

Renovo shares Glenmorangie’s passion for wood – its founder was so inspired by the material’s superior abilities to create a smoother ride, that he designed the first engineered wooden bicycle more than a decade ago.  When the casks’ work at the distillery is done, their staves are shipped from Scotland to Renovo’s workshop in Oregon, in the U.S.  There, with a meticulous precision which echoes Glenmorangie’s uncompromising dedication to whisky creation, they are crafted into Glenmorangie Original bicycles. Each contains about 15 staves in a frame which reflects the curvature of the casks.

Since 1843, Glenmorangie has been renowned for its innovative whisky creation and expertise in wood.  While many distilleries may fill casks up to five or six times, the casks of The Original are used only twice – ensuring they always remain full of flavour, to enrich the spirit within. From first-fill casks, the whisky gains wonderful wood notes of vanilla, almond, coconut and honey.  The second-fill casks invite the citrus tones of Glenmorangie’s spirit to shine through.  Together, they create The Original’s soft and smooth style.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling & Whisky Creation, said: “Glenmorangie is renowned for using the finest casks just twice, to create the smoother, rounder profile of The Original – a whisky which beautifully balances hints of ripening peaches and citrus fruits with creamy, vanilla notes, to delight malt connoisseurs and amateurs alike. This pioneering collaboration with Renovo brings new life to the casks which inspire our whisky. Each one of these limited-edition bicycles is a fitting celebration of our expertise in wood and shared passion for creativity.”

Renovo’s founder Ken Wheeler, said: “We are so excited to be working with Glenmorangie, a distillery with which we feel such affinity.  Renovo is dedicated to honouring wood in the creation of our bicycles, engineered to perfection for a smoother ride.  And these beautiful machines, uniquely fashioned from Glenmorangie’s staves, will inspire anyone with a taste for innovation.” 

www.glenmorangie.com

www.renovobikes.com

Follow Glenmorangie on: Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram  

NOTES:

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at

the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

Glenmorangie Original bicycles:

Inspired by a shared passion for innovation with wood, Glenmorangie’s collaboration with Renovo celebrates the casks of Glenmorangie Original – the signature expression of Glenmorangie’s spirit. The hollow frame of each Glenmorangie Original bicycle is created from about 15 staves, taken from the casks in which Glenmorangie Original was matured.  Each is uniquely designed to embrace the trapezoidal shape of each stave, as well as the curve of the barrel in the frame’s down tube – the largest tube on the frame.  When shipped to Portland, the staves were first kiln dried to ensure their suitability for Renovo’s purposes.  Then the staves’ charred surfaces were smoothed away, before they were handcrafted into frames by Renovo’s select craftsmen – each taking more than 20 hours to create.  The frames, which vary in size to accommodate different riders (from 52-61cm), incorporate the American oak of Glenmorangie’s staves, alongside a small proportion of darker sapele wood, which brings an intriguing colour contrast to the wood of the staves. Given a durable coating, decorated with Glenmorangie’s Signet icon and individually numbered, these bicycles, which weigh around 18lb, (8.1kg) form a beautiful and functional tribute to the character of Glenmorangie Original. RRP: £5,400 

List of participating outlets: 

On Premise

• Boisdale Canary Wharf (Bicycle Display & Cocktail Fair)
• Boisdale of Bishopsgate (Cocktail Fair)
• Boisdale of Mayfair (Cocktail Fair)
• Boisdale Belgravia (Cocktail Fair)

Off Premise:

• The Whisky Shop Piccadilly (Bicycle Display and Whisky Tasting with UK Brand Ambassador Max Helms)
• Soho Wine Supply (Bicycle Display and Whisky Tastings with UK Brand Ambassador Max Helms)
• Luvians Bottle Shop @ St Andrews (Bicycle Display and Whisky Tastings with UK Brand Ambassador Max Helms)

Beyond the Cask:

Glenmorangie’s collaboration with Renovo is the second partnership in the Distillery’s Beyond the Cask series, which celebrates the casks in which Glenmorangie Original is matured, by repurposing their staves in innovative ways.  Last year, Glenmorangie created an exquisite limited edition of the world’s first Scotch whisky sunglasses, with renowned British eyewear designer Finlay & Co.

About Renovo:

Founded in 2007 by Ken Wheeler, Renovo pioneered the first engineered wooden bicycles.  Ken, an avid touring cyclist, has a background in aircraft design, and was inspired to create bicycles out of wood because of the material’s superior engineering properties: it shows less fatigue than other materials and excels at absorbing vibration – ensuring a smoother ride.  Committed to creating fine quality bicycles, Renovo feels a strong affinity with Glenmorangie. Like the distillery, Renovo combines traditional materials and innovative thinking, for inspirational results.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WHISKY PROUDLY INTRODUCES

THE YAMAZAKI^® MIZUNARA CASK 2017 EDITION™ 

Japan’s Oldest Whisky Distillery Releases Limited Edition Offering

Aged For 18 Years Exclusively In Japanese Mizunara Oak

CHICAGO, IL (September 12, 2017) – For more than three generations, the master blenders at Suntory Whisky, the founding house of Japanese Whisky, have devoted themselves to pursuing the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship. One of the most impressive examples of this pursuit is found in Mizunara, the Japanese oak. The wood from this rare and demanding tree inspired Suntory to take a momentous step forward in whisky making, both in perfecting new cask-making techniques and in creating flavors never before tasted in whisky. Suntory’s blenders have brought the essence of the noble Mizunara into a peerless liquid – tantalizingly spicy, redolent of incense and uniquely Japanese.

Revealing their mastery of the Art of Mizunara, The House of Suntory Whisky proudly introduces The Yamazaki® Mizunara 2017 Edition™ available as of October 2017. 

From the House of Suntory Whisky

The Mizunara cask is a perfect expression of “Tsukuriwake” – the art of diversity in whisky making. Diverse grain types, as well as fermentation, distillation and maturation techniques, underpin Suntory’s legendary Art of Blending. This diversity enables Suntory to produce more than 100 different malt and grain whiskies at the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries and allows Suntory complete self-sufficiency in the creation of its blends.

It is at Yamazaki, Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery and the House of Suntory’s soulplace, where the art of “Tsukuriwake” is pushed the furthest. Built in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the founding father of Japanese Whisky, Yamazaki produces a wide variety of malt whiskies. Only Yamazaki whiskies—and only a few—have had the privilege of maturing in Mizunara casks, creating one of the most uniquely flavored and distinctly Japanese whiskies in the world.

For Suntory’s fourth Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, every creation is a new journey to achieve the exquisite balance of subtlety, refinement and complexity that is the hallmark of all Suntory whiskies. In his pursuit of true “Mizunara-ness,” he tasted a few hundred Mizunara whiskies and made selections with varying ages, from 18 years old and beyond. A very small portion exceed even 50 years of maturation, which give this limited edition an incomparable depth and a flavor that lingers long after the liquid has passed the lips.

Fukuyo knew from the start that the Yamazaki Mizunara 2017 Edition was not intended for a familiar, relaxing moment. He wanted this uniquely Japanese whisky to be dramatic and unforgettable:

“I wanted to reveal the whisky’s soul that is the Art of Mizunara—a heightened sense and awakened palate engaged through aromas and flavors never known before. Encountering it should be a moment of epiphany.”

Pioneering the Mizunara Cask

It is said that in the early 1940s, Suntory’s blenders began small scale experiments with Mizunara. But it wasn’t until the end of World War II, when it became difficult to import wood, that Suntory truly focused on mastering the homegrown Mizunara cask.

Although only found in a few regions within Japan, it wasn’t Mizunara’s rarity that presented the greatest challenge to cask makers. It was the hard, permeable nature of the wood. The name Mizunara comes from the tree’s high moisture content – in Japanese “mizu” means water and “nara” means oak. Its permeable character is less than ideal for cask making since liquid can easily seep through the wood. And because Mizunara is a hardwood, it can be difficult to shape and join with the precision needed to prevent leaks.

Through great perseverance, Suntory’s craftsmen mastered the art of Mizunara cask-making by learning how to identify the right trees to make perfectly true casks. Although rarer, Suntory’s cask makers found that straight grain trees are less permeable. Trees suitable for cask making must have grown perfectly straight and have a diameter of at least 27.5 inches. They also tend to be far older than trees used in other casks.

In keeping with Suntory’s deep respect for the environment, trees are only cut if their removal will not jeopardize the health of the forest.

Taste Blessed by The Passage of Time

Throughout their long history using Mizunara casks, Suntory’s blenders have observed that age is the key to unlocking the signature taste of Mizunara whisky. A long maturation period reveals the distinctive spiciness and incense-like flavor of sandalwood and aloe wood that Suntory considers as the quintessential “Mizunara-ness.”

With many other cask types, whisky usually reaches a maturation peak at some point. But even at 50 years and beyond, the top-note and after-taste aromas of Mizunara whiskies are generally still improving. This unique ability to support long-term aging affords endless opportunities to experience the evolution and refinement of Mizunara whiskies over time.

Tasting Notes

Color:  Amber

Nose:   Rich and elegant fragrance, aloe wood, cinnamon

Palate:  Condensed sweetness, silky texture, dry fruits, coconut, orange marmalade

Finish:  Distinctive spiciness lingers with Japanese incense, aloe wood, cinnamon and tartness

Yamazaki Mizunara Cask 2017 Edition is presented at 48% alcohol by volume (96 proof) with a suggested retail price of $1,000.00 (750ml). The bottle label is 100% handcrafted mulberry Echizen paper produced via a slow process of drying on wood boards (a traditional Japanese method). The wood box that encloses the bottle is made of cask material used in the aging of Suntory whisky.

ABOUT SUNTORY WHISKY

Suntory was established in 1899 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Since 1923, as the pioneer of Japanese whisky, Suntory Whisky has been renowned for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky, Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, near Kyoto—a region known for the purity of its water, where the traditional Japanese tea ceremony was born. Torii dreamt of creating an authentically Japanese whisky by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to that of Scotland, thereby cultivating unique conditions for maturation.

In 1972, Torii’s son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, built the Chita grain distillery near Nagoya to produce more of their own high-quality grain whiskies. In 1973, Saji founded the Hakushu distillery amidst the deep forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. Its high altitude and lush environment is what differentiates Hakushu from other distilleries.

With three distilleries and a great diversity in whisky making (different still shapes, five types of cask, and three varieties of wood), Suntory produces over 100 malt and grain whiskies which amounts to the whole of Scotland’s production.

With respect to heritage and a commitment to innovation, third generation master Blender Shingo Torii, and grandson of Shinjiro, now leads this most highly awarded House of Japanese Whisky. Today the House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki – Japan’s N°1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu – verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki – Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki – ideal for Japanese highballs.

whisky.suntory.com        #SuntoryWhisky   @SuntoryWhisky

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY INC.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com/ and www.drinksmart.com.

LAGAVULIN™ launches limited edition 2017 Jazz bottling

Lagavulin today launches its brand new limited edition Single Malt Scotch whisky release, Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2017.

6000 bottles are being produced following the popularity of previous Jazz festival bottlings. The whisky is a blend of refill American oak hogsheads and first fill American oak standard barrels and is bottled at natural cask strength.

RRP: £99

ABV: 57.6%

Available from: only available to purchase at Lagavulin distillery

in brief… Initial blast of smoke gives way to a deep oily/tar background, sweet raisin and dried fruits along with hints of almond & brazil nuts and a white pepper, ashy background

Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at Lagavulin distillery adds: “It’s been a special time for Lagavulin, as in 2016 we celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the distillery. This Jazz bottling is set to be another sell-out edition marking one of the best and busiest times on Islay.”

No other spirit offers the same breadth and depth of flavours as Scotch. It truly is the world’s favourite whisky and the annual Islay Jazz festival is a key moment in the whisky calendar to bring together Scotch lovers from all corners of the globe.

The limited edition Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2017 release has syrupy notes of dried banana with the definitive Lagavulin bonfire smoke in the background. Once mixed with water, the initial blast of smoke gives way to maritime notes, sweet raisin, dried fruits and almonds, with hints of white pepper and tobacco in the background.

Bottles will be available for sale only to visitors at the Lagavulin Distillery from 15th September at an RRP of £99. Due to the popularity of the Jazz bottling, customers are limited to 2 bottles per person.

NOTES

Tasting notes:

Neat – Syrup/fruity, dried banana, wet bonfire smoke in the background.

With Water – Initial blast of smoke gives way to a deep oily/tar background/seaweed of the beach/iodine, sweet raisin/dried fruits, jammy. Hints of almond & brazil nuts Pears soap/medicinal, hints of smoked ham. Fresh fruit way in the white pepper/ ashy background.

Taste – Immediate smoke burst that mellows to a sweet ripe apple, ashy/tobacco.

The origins of Lagavulin:

Local records suggest that Lagavulin was already a centre of whisky production in the early 18th century.

So there had almost certainly been many other illicit stills before John Johnston founded the first legal distillery at Lagavulin Bay in 1816. As with all Scottish distilleries, it passed through the hands of different owners, including the celebrated Sir Peter Mackie, whose company became White Horse Distillers, forever associated with Lagavulin. White Horse joined The Distillers Company Ltd. (eventually Diageo) in 1927. In 1989, Lagavulin, now normally bottled at 16 years rather than the original 12, became one of the six Classic Malts of Scotland™.

About Diageo:

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The LAGAVULIN word and associated logos are trade marks. © 2017

Visit malts.com/lagavulin for further information.

On Saturday 16th September 2017, whisky makers R&B Distillers will officially open the Isle of Raasay Distillery, the first (legal!) whisky distillery on this small Scottish island.

The distillery will be opened by renowned spirits writer and whisky expert, Dave Broom. The much-lauded spirits writer and founder of scotchwhisky.com, will cut the ribbon into the production room of the distillery and join co-founders of R&B Distillers, Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie, along with friends, family and islanders to celebrate the opening of island’s first distillery.

Young distilling graduate and Head Distiller, Iain Robertson, with the guidance of Master Distiller Chris Anderson, commenced whisky production this week and guests to the opening will be able to witness the first whisky making in action. The distillery will officially open to the public in October and visitors will be taken on a fascinating tours around this unique distillery: they will learn about the unusual geology that influences the flavour of Raasay Scotch; spot the resident bat population in the ‘Bat Hotel’ and visit the Celtic Well that provides water to the distillery. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, friends, family, industry figures, press and all the island’s residents have been invited to join the founders in a ceilidh at neighbouring Raasay House.

Born in Glasgow, Dave Broom has written regularly about all spirit categories. Of his twelve books, two: ‘Drink: Never Mind the Peanuts’ and ‘Rum’ won the Glenfiddich award. His Whisky: The Manual was awarded Best Spirits Book at the Spirited Awards in 2015 and the ‘World Atlas of Whisky’ has been called “a landmark publication”. His book ‘Rum: The Manual’ was published in 2017 and ‘Whisky-do, a Journey into Japanese Whisky’ will be published in October 2017.

FIVE SAZERAC CANADIAN WHISKIES NAMED MEDAL WINNERS AT 2017 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION 

        NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (Sept. 7, 2017) – Judges awarded five Canadian whiskies from the Sazerac Company with high honors at the 2017 International Wine & Spirit Competition, awarding two of them Silver Outstanding medals, and another three Silver medals.           

Those awarded “Silver Outstanding” medals were:

• Legacy Canadian Blended Whisky
• Royal Canadian Small Batch Canadian Whisky

Silver Medal winners were:

• High River Canadian Blended Whisky
• Rich & Rare Reserve Canadian Blended Whisky
• Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky

The International Wine & Spirit Competition, held in the United Kingdom, is one of the most prestigious of its kind.  The IWSC Annual Awards Banquet will be held at the Guildhall in London in November.

Complete results for the 2017 International Wine & Spirits Competition can be found online at www.iwsc.net

About the Sazerac Company

        Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, California, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.