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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One bottle each of:

Old Rip Van Winkle 10yr Handmade Bourbon

o Van Winkle Special Reserve 12yr Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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

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

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

Two VIP tickets to Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits

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

Coach airfare for two to New Hampshire

Hotel accommodations for two nights in Manchester

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

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

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

Photos & Captions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wemyss Family Collection introduced to the Wemyss blended malt range

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

Experience Europe’s largest Whisky event Live in Paris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Whisky Live Paris

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

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

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

The Art of Distilling:

Speyside Distillery launches luxury limited edition whiskies featuring stunning wildlife images 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more Information, please follow the link HERE 

Impeccably crafted flavours of Scotland: Diageo introduces the 2017 Special Releases Collection

Ten impeccable limited edition Scotch Whiskies will be released in limited quantities this autumn, as part of Diageo’s annual Special Releases collection. Highly anticipated by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, the limited edition natural cask strength bottlings are rigorously selected each year, to form a rare and sought after collection.

For the first time ever, a limited edition Blended Malt Scotch Whisky containing whiskies from all twenty-eight active Diageo distilleries has been released. The COLLECTIVUM XXVIII is the tenth bottle to make up the Special Releases collection and the fourth NAS Malt Whisky in this series to date. Clear amber in appearance, the liquid is described as ‘enjoying real depth’ with a palate ‘all the way from dry and nutty to rich and chocolatey, with zestiness and sweetness.’

Meticulously crafted and beautifully packaged, the collection comprises some of the rarest and oldest liquids from both classic and unknown, closed distilleries. Each whisky within the range offers complex flavours of the highest quality, delivering truly memorable taste experiences for those lucky enough to drink them.

The 2017 Special Releases collection offers an extra special and rare gift alternative for this Christmas, with the whiskies in the range retailing from £90 for the LAGAVULIN 12 year old, to £2,625 for the PORT ELLEN 37 year old.

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach said: “The Special Releases range is always a highlight in our calendar year, it reflects the truly extraordinary range of stocks our blenders have available to them. The variety and quality of whiskies in the collection is simply impeccable. We’re looking forward to sharing this year’s collection with the world and in particular keen to see the response to the new COLLECTIVUM XXVIII.”

The PORT DUNDAS 52 year old is the oldest whisky ever released in the series, as well as the oldest bottle to ever be released by the Port Dundas distillery. The second release from the original distiller’s stocks, this is the fourth time a Single Grain Scotch Whisky has been included in an annual release. The liquid is described as ‘an excellent example of a very old grain… astonishingly rich and complex’. The GLEN ELGIN 18 year old has also made a welcome return to the range this year, a third release in this series, crafted from ex- Bodega European oak butts.

Each whisky in the 2017 Special Releases range is a limited edition, rare bottling, with four originating from closed distilleries. These whiskies have been crafted to deliver memorable taste experiences unlike any other, to be cherished and enjoyed responsibly.

Distribution/Availability

Autumn 2017, from specialist retailers in Northern Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and selected Asian markets.

List of 2017 Special Releases

BLAIR ATHOL 24 year old

Distilled 1993 ABV 58.4%

Region: Highlands

Cask: Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts

Max. 5,514 available worldwide

BRORA 34 year old

Distilled: 1982 ABV 51.9%

Region: Coastal Highlands

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Max. 3,000 available worldwide

CAOL ILA 18 year old

ABV 59.8%

Region: Islay

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Limited quantities available worldwide

COLLECTIVUM XXVIII

Distilled: NAS ABV: 57.3%

Region: Speyside, Islay, Island, Lowland, Highland

Cask: Blend of Refill American Oak Hogsheads, Refill European Oak Butts, Ex-Bodega European Oak and First Fill Bourbon Casks

Limited quantities available worldwide

CONVALMORE 32 year old

Distilled: 1984 ABV 48.2%

Region: Speyside

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Max. 3,972 available worldwide

GLEN ELGIN 18 year old

Distilled: 1998 ABV 54.8%

Region: Speyside

Cask: Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts

Max. 5,352 available worldwide

LAGAVULIN 12 year old

ABV 56.5%

Region: Islay

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Limited quantities available worldwide

PORT DUNDAS 52 year old

Distilled: 1964 ABV 44.6%

Region: Lowlands

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads

Max. 752 available worldwide

PORT ELLEN 37 year old

Distilled: 1979 ABV 51%

Region: Islay

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads & Refill

American Oak Butts

Max. 2,988 available worldwide

TEANINICH 17 year old

Distilled: 1999 ABV: 55.9%

Region: Coastal Highlands

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogsheads & Refill American Oak Barrels

Limited quantities available worldwide

About the Special Releases

During the late 1980s, the benchmark expressions of single malt whiskies from six single malt distilleries became well known under the CLASSIC MALTS name. Interest in older and rarer malt whiskies in general also grew during this period. One product of this was the RARE MALTS, a series of rarer releases begun in 1995, and which ended in 2005. There remained a demand for unusual, distinctive, often older, unrepeatable cask strength bottlings, usually of the CLASSIC MALTS. Such bottlings allowed collectors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts to enjoy and experience remaining older stocks, and/or unusual expressions of a distillery’s character – a treasure trove of priceless malts.

To satisfy this demand, the Special Releases series was born in 2001, and the annual collection – with familiar names and some surprises – has been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts ever since.

Blair Athol, Brora, Caol Ila, Collectivum XXVIII, Convalmore, Glen Elgin, Lagavulin, Port Dundas, Port Ellen, Teaninich

About Diageo

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.

IRISH DISTILLERS’ REDBREAST 12 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH AND

MIDLETON BARRY CROCKETT LEGACY ARE NAMED MASTERS OF IRISH WHISKEY 

Irish Distillers’ prestige range of Irish whiskeys has demonstrated its unrivalled quality at The Irish Whiskey Masters 2017, scooping 12 out of the 52 medals on offer. 10 Gold medals were awarded across the portfolio, while Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys, Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, were recognised with coveted Master medals.

Redbreast reinforced its position as the world’s most awarded Single Pot Still Irish whiskey after also winning four of the portfolio’s 10 Gold medals for its Redbreast 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 21 Year Old and recent Lustau Edition. METHOD AND MADNESS, Irish Distillers’ new and experimental range of super premium Irish whiskeys, rose straight to the top of the table with Gold medals presented to the Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut expressions.

Each family of Irish whiskeys from The Midleton Distillery won at least one leading medal, reinforcing the exceptional quality and craftsmanship found across the prestige portfolio. Key Gold medal results were awarded to Redbreast 12 Year Old, Green Spot, Powers Three Swallow Release, Midleton Very Rare 2016 and METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak.

Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers, said: “It has been a tremendous awards season, so far, for our Prestige family of Irish whiskeys with 75 individual awards. Each prize is a reminder of the timeless quality that continues to pour out of Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, and gives credence to the hard work and dedication of the production team, past and present. Sláinte!”    

Full results from The Irish Whiskey Masters 2017

• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength – Master
• Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – Master
• Midleton Very Rare 2016 – Gold
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – Gold
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – Gold
• Redbreast 21 Year Old –  Gold
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – Gold
• Green Spot – Gold
• Powers Three Swallow Release – Gold
• Powers Signature Release – Gold
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak – Gold
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut – Gold
• METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak – Silver

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish Whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish Whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish Whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

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

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier‐ Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

www.pernod-ricard.com

Distiller Allisa Henley Stamping Barrels

SAZERAC’S Tennessee Distillery kicks off whiskey distillation 

            Newport, tn (Aug. 9, 2017) Distilling has commenced in Tennessee as Master Distiller John Lunn and Distiller Allisa Henley have cranked up their pot stills and started distilling Tennessee whiskey.

A few months ago, John and Allisa sourced sugar maple from a sawmill in Tennessee and burned four ricks in John’s backyard to make the charcoal they are using for the Lincoln County process, essential for making Tennessee whiskey. To be classified a Tennessee whiskey the whiskey must be filtered through maple charcoal, which distinguishes it from bourbon whiskey.

John and Allisa began filling barrels with their newly made whiskey on July 5^th, a fitting day to start a new American-made product, on the heels of our nation’s 241^st birthday.  The whiskey will be aging in the barrels for several years, although the age, brand name, and even the distillery name has not yet been decided. Announcements will be forthcoming as new developments are made.

“We’re so excited to start distilling and to have the opportunity to make Tennessee whiskey again,” said John Lunn, master distiller. “We did a lot of tweaking to get the distillation just right, but we’re really happy with how it turned out and are anxious to taste it along its aging journey.”

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.

GLENMORANGIE ASTAR MAKES A RETURN

Back in 2008, Glenmorangie created Astar (Scots Gaelic for “journey”), a single malt whisky entirely matured in bespoke oak casks from the Ozark mountains of Missouri, designed to impart the wood’s maximum flavour to the spirit.  Today, Glenmorangie Astar returns with a limited-edition release.

Glenmorangie has always regarded the oak casks in which whisky matures as vital to the quality of the final spirit. Such is the distillery’s dedication to sourcing the ideal wood for whisky maturation, that its skill in cask management has been long renowned throughout the industry.

The Astar’s custom-made casks began their journey in the Ozark mountains of Missouri, where Glenmorangie carefully selected slow-growth oak trees, for their porous structure. Staves were cut from these oaks to the Distillery’s exact specifications. Then, they were left to season in the open air for at least two years, to breathe and soften. After being coopered into oak casks, they were gently toasted to contribute further flavours of almond and coconut. Filled with bourbon, they were set aside to mature for four years to smooth away any rawness.  Finally, they were emptied, shipped to Scotland and filled with Glenmorangie’s delicate and complex spirit, for a long, slow maturation.

Astar’s first, limited release was much coveted. And ever since, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, has longed to revisit the single malt’s unique character. But casks designed to such precise specifications require many years and much dedication to create.  Indeed, they are so rare, that it has taken Dr Bill almost a decade to orchestrate the whisky’s return.  For 2017, he brings Astar back to life in a new limited-edition which displays all the smooth, creamy depths for which its predecessor was renowned.  Delivered at a slightly lower strength, Astar’s renaissance also delivers a newfound richness and complexity.

Dr Bill said: “At Glenmorangie we are always searching for perfection – and Astar’s first release, entirely matured in our designer casks, was a momentous step on our journey. I’m delighted to be able to share the 2017 release with more single malt lovers – and to celebrate with them the whisky’s wonderfully creamy, spicy aromas and silky tastes of soft fruit smothered with vanilla custard.”

Glenmorangie Astar is non-chill-filtered for extra texture and bottled at 52.5% ABV. Available in the UK from September priced at RRP: £74.00.

www.Glenmorangie.com

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NOTES  

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Bright gold

Aroma:  Rich, sweet and fruity with fresh bright floral top notes. At full strength, the aroma is rich in butterscotch and honey, drizzled with fresh mint and a burst of coconut. The nose is full of citrus: freshly squeezed lemons fill the nose. With water, the sweetness intensifies. White sugar, lemon meringue, then creamy and luscious sweet fruits: pineapple, pears and peaches in vanilla ice-cream.

Taste: The mouth-feel is deliciously smooth, rich and creamy, full of sumptuous sweet and fruity flavours.  The taste is exceptionally well-rounded and balanced.  Initially crème-brulée emerges with more tropical and stone fruits.  Apricots smothered with vanilla custard.  Hazelnuts in soft buttery fudge mix with some clove spiciness and toasted oak.  Shortly after, the palate is gently cleansed by a hint of cooling mint and fresh menthol.

Finish: Long and smooth with a lingering mix of honey and almond, coconut ice and traces of aniseed.

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, who have passed their skills down the generations, often from father to son.  These select craftsmen go to unseen lengths to ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried, uncompromising way as it always has been.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

About Glenmorangie’s designer casks:

Glenmorangie has long been renowned as a pioneer in wood management.  As part of its ongoing pursuit of perfection, the Highland Distillery began to develop its designer casks programme in 1991, as ideal casks were becoming increasingly hard to find.  Glenmorangie was the first distillery to adopt the recommendations of an official research programme and to begin using casks made from specific wood, air-dried for precise periods. Glenmorangie has used its hand-selected, slow-growth, American white oak casks for the entirely bespoke maturation of Glenmorangie Astar, and to inform the character of the Distillery’s signature whisky Glenmorangie The Original.  The Distillery continues to lead the field in wood-management techniques.

About the journey of the designer casks:

Glenmorangie is renowned throughout the whisky industry for its expertise in wood management.  The Distillery sources the slow-growth American white oak of its designer casks from the Ozark Mountains, in Missouri.  Such oaks tend to grow on north-facing slopes – areas that have less light, more shade, and less moisture in the soil.  The resulting tight-grained structure of their wood has higher concentrations of the naturally-occurring compounds lignin and lactone, which bring to the whisky silky, creamy textures and flavours of vanilla, coconut, almond and honey flavours.  The slow-growth trees which Glenmorangie selects have an abundance of early wood – the wood that is formed from spring growth.  Although late wood (grown in summer and autumn) typically makes up the bulk of a tree’s woody material, early wood is more porous.  And so, it allows more contact between spirit and wood, bringing more wood flavours to the whisky.  When cut into staves, the wood is air-seasoned for about two years, to break down the internal structure of the wood, and release softer, sweeter flavours.  Without air-drying, a bitterness and astringency may be detectable.  The staves are then handcrafted into casks, lightly toasted and heavily charred to Dr Bill Lumsden’s precise specifications, and filled with bourbon for at least four years, for seasoning.  Only then, are the casks ready to make the journey to the Glenmorangie Distillery to be filled with its delicate spirit.  Their overall effect is to bring a sweeter, richer, smoother, more rounded profile to the whisky.

About Dr Bill Lumsden:

Dr Bill Lumsden is Glenmorangie’s acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation, Distilling & Whisky Stocks.  Dr Bill is regarded by the malt whisky industry as an innovator, creating whiskies which have revolutionised the single-malt market.  In recognition of his team’s work, The Glenmorangie Company was named Distiller of the Year at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2012.  Dr Bill, who has a PhD in biochemistry, has combined art and science in his work since he joined The Glenmorangie Company in 1995.  He is renowned for his groundbreaking wood management techniques, experimentation with exceptional casks at various ages, and use of extra-maturation.  Dr Bill has won a series of prestigious awards and accolades.  He recently added to his plaudits by winning the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year 2016 and 2017.  He was further honoured with the title of Master Distiller/Blender of the Year, at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2016 awards.

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.

EXCLUSIVE AUCTION NOW LIVE

MILK & HONEY ISRAEL’S FIRST SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Our exclusive auction of Israel’s First Single Malt Whisky from the country’s first whisky distillery, Milk & Honey is live!

This is an exciting opportunity to secure a unique and historic whisky, place your bids now on bottles number 1 through to 100!

THE WHISKY…

The distillation of this historical whisky is part of the distillery’s “Experimental Series” that took place before all the industrial equipment was purchased. The barrel was distilled together with internationally renowned master distiller, the late Dr. Jim Swan, as part of his role as consultant to the distillery at the time.

Every part of the whisky making process has taken place in Israel and thanks to the surrounding hot climate conditions the 3 year old single malt spirit has developed a mature and complex character well beyond its years.

Aged in new 225 litre American oak casks for two and a half years before being finished in ex-bourbon barrels, the tasting notes are an enticing mix of citrus, spice and marzipan – light bodied and finely balanced.

THE DISTILLERY…

Established in 2012, the team behind Israel’s first whisky distillery are dedicated to creating world-class whisky using traditional custom-built equipment and high quality ingredients.

Recent years have seen awards and plaudits shower down upon distilleries that have pioneered whisky production within their own countries, think of Taiwan’s Kavalan and Japan’s Yamazaki.

We have no doubt that Milk & Honey could well be the next to follow in their footsteps, making this a very exciting opportunity to secure one of their first bottlings!

The Auction is live until Monday 21st August, there is no fee to register on our site, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

Happy bidding!