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

Royal Salute launches limited edition 21 Year Old Polo Edition 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instagram | @royalsalute

Twitter | @royalsalute

Facebook | RoyalSalutePolo

Notes:

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition Signature Serve

Introducing the Royal Salute Polo Spritz

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

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

About Royal Salute

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

www.royalsalute.com

About Chivas Brothers

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

www.chivasspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard

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

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

About Sentebale

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

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

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

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

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RARE MACALLAN TRIUMPHS AT BONHAMS WHISKY AUCTION IN HONG KONG

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

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

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

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

Elsewhere in the sale:

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

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

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

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

NOTES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul McLean www.whiskytours.scot/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#ardbeg #untamed #islay 

www.ardbeg.com

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NOTES:

TASTING NOTES

Colour: Harvest gold

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

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

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

Ardbeg:

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

*The Gathering Room:

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

The Mull of Oa:

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

Ardbeg Committee:

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

Awards:

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

Ardbeg’s core range:

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

The Glenmorangie Company:

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

Responsible Drinking:

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

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.