Last-minute dash for tickets at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Ever fancied learning how to create your own signature whisky cocktails? How about experiencing a traditional Scottish ceilidh with a dram in hand? Or perhaps you want to learn to blend whisky like a pro?

Whatever whisky-themed activity tickles your tastebuds, you can do it all – and a whole lot more – at the world-renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival when it kicks off later this month.

Tickets have been in high demand since going on sale earlier this year but with almost 500 events on the programme, there are still plenty of opportunities to revel in the five-day celebration of Scotland’s national drink.

Thousands of people – many of them travelling from overseas – will descend on the region from April 27 to May 1 to attend the Festival, which is recognised as being one of the best events of its kind.

Festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “Tickets for some of the key events – particularly the very exclusive behind the scenes tours at distilleries not usually open to the public – sold out within a matter of hours.

“There has been phenomenal demand for tickets, but we don’t want people to think that there are no tickets left. Whether visitors want to sample excellent whiskies, enjoy local food or take part in some of the more unusual events on the programme, there is still plenty of availability.

“All the most up to date information about ticket availability is on the website at www.spiritofspeyside.com and for those who are planning a last-minute getaway, there is also information about accommodation.”

There will be the chance to taste exclusive cask strength drams from Chivas Brothers on April 30, in the company of whisky royalty. Acclaimed whisky writers Ian Buxton and Ian Wisniewski will host the event at The Glenlivet and will be sharing their knowledge about distilleries and drams.

This will be a great event for both whisky experts and novices, as they will also give tips on how to get the most out of whisky tasting. Tickets for the event, which includes six different whiskies, cost £30.

Although most whisky drinkers associate Speyside with single malts, there is a strong heritage of blended whisky too. Visitors can learn how to blend in the style of Chivas Regal at an event taking part in the home of the famous blend – Strathisla Distillery – on April 29.

During the special session, which is priced at £25, guests will taste a collection of drams, blend their own whisky under the guidance of an expert tutor from the Chivas Regal team, and take away a small bottle of their creation.

Everything whisky will be on the menu at The Glenlivet Open Day on April 30. The event at the legendary distillery includes tours, a whisky bar, food tastings, music and an exhibition. There will also be a chance to sample a dram from the Sma Still – a replica of one used in the days before distilling was legal. Tickets are priced £5.

There will also be a separate event, running as part of The Glenlivet Open Day, where visitors will be able to learn more about the smugglers who used the glen on an off-road tour on argocat vehicle. Tickets for the tours, which can be booked on the day, cost £40.

An event that will leave visitors shaken and stirred is a cocktail and canapes masterclass at The Macallan – the dram reputed to be the favourite tipple of James Bond. There may not be an appearance from 007 on May 1, but those who go along will learn how to create their own cocktails using three different malts from The Macallan.

Visitors will learn more about the range and enjoy three cocktails which the distillery’s brand ambassadors have specially created. Canapes to match the drinks will be served, and the cost of tickets is £40.

Revellers at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival want to carry on the party after a packed day of activities, and they will be able to do that thanks to an event being staged by Aberlour Community Association.

Visitors to the area will be able to meet locals at a Scottish ceilidh night being staged in the town’s Fleming Hall on April 29. Music will be provided by the very talented young group BROMA – featuring drummer Daniel Gordon, who is ranked as one of the top 40 drummers in the UK. Tickets, including food, are £12.

Based in the heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place over five fun-filled days from April 27 to May 1, 2017. It comprises over 500 events, taking place from Kingussie in the south to Forres in the west and Buckie in the east.

More information about the Festival is available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.Tickets are available to buy for all events – including the awards judging sessions – from the website from February 7. The Festival is active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #dram17.

Ends

Picture caption: Visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival still have the chance to snap up tickets to events.

Notes

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from Festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Event Scotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.

EventScotland

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.

EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.org or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.

WHISKY FIRM MARKS FOURTH BIRTHDAY WITH NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

Whisky giftware firm Angels’ Share Glass is marking its fourth anniversary with the launch of a series of birthstone angels.

The Stirling-based family company, founded on April 9, 2013, has created a new version of its signature line of whisky-filled glass angels featuring precious gemstone jewels.

The angels are each holding a real gemstone representing months of the year – Diamond for April, Emerald for May and so on.

The firm’s latest innovation was developed by co-founder Karen Somerville.

She says: “People have always liked the Angels which are holding something – like the Thistle and the Saltire which represent Scotland.

“We had some feedback asking if there was anything else we could use and decided gem stones would be a great fit and look lovely.

“And with our own fourth birthday coming up it seemed the perfect time to launch a new birthday product!

“Pre-orders of the Angels are already proving popular as birthday gifts while many – including July’s Ruby and June’s Pearl – will also work for wedding anniversaries.”

Angels’ Share Glass is also marking its fourth anniversary with the start of work on a new glassblowing studio which gets underway later this month.

The move follows a successful crowdfunding campaign which saw generous supporters pledge contributions to help the firm raise funds to create the state-of-the-art studio at its headquarters.

Angels’ Share Glass has come a long way since its beginnings as a home-based business run by co-founders Karen and her father, world-renowned glassmaker, Tom Young.

It now employs three other staff members plus a host of freelance workers in the glassmaking, marketing and sales industries.

The firm has also won a series of honours including Entrepreneur of the Year for Karen Somerville.

And last year it was named Best Micro Business at the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards as well as winning the Most Innovative Product Award for its unique whisky water dropper.

Meanwhile, Tom Young is due to receive an MBE for his services to glassmaking during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in mid-April.

Karen says: “We’ve seen phenomenal growth since setting up as a home-run operation four years ago and I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved since then.

“We’ve gone from a small firm selling one product to a global organisation which sells a host of different gifts to people all over the world.

“It’s great that we’re getting the new studio up and running this year as it will mean a lot to us in terms of increasing production and growing the firm further.

“It also means my dad can train up more apprentices who can help keep glassblowing alive in the heart of Scotland.”

Karen and Tom established the firm after capturing the spirit of a whisky producers’ legend, known as the Angels’ Share, through the creation of handmade glass angels.

The myth claims the small volume of whisky lost to evaporation while it matures is taken away by angels.

And in tribute to that legend, the glass angels are filled and sealed with 30ml of single malt – a measure of the Angels’ Share – in a secret process.

In the past four years, the firm has gone from strength to strength expanding its giftware range and exporting to retailers and online customers all over the world.

For more details, visit the website www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes:

Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for nearly 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at www.angelsshareglass.com

BLANTON’S SINGLE BARREL NAMED BEST OF CLASS BOURBON,

RECEIVES DOUBLE GOLD

AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION

Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies win eight top awards 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 5, 2017) Buffalo Trace Distillery was awarded eight top awards at the sixth annual Denver International Spirits Competition, including a Double Gold, which was awarded to Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blanton’s was also named Best of Class Bourbon.

            In addition to Blanton’s receiving Double Gold, whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery also received two Gold, three Silver and two Bronze.

            Those awarded Gold include:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

            Those awarded Silver include:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Brown Sugar Flavored Whiskey

            Those awarded Bronze include:

• Benchmark Apple Flavored Whiskey
• Benchmark Peach Flavored Whiskey

“We are very pleased and humbled by these results,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “This is a great recognition for our whiskies, and we could not be more proud of the whole crew at the Distillery who work hard every day to produce our great whiskies.”

The Denver International Spirits Competition was held in Broomfield, Colorado, where a panel of 20 respected spirits authorities rated entries through a double-blind process, on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition can be found at www.denverspiritscomp.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

Stillhouse Whiskey Redefines “Travel Size” with Release of New 375 mL “Roadie” 

Award-winning 100% Clear Corn American Whiskey Made Even More Portable 

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 4, 2017) – Stillhouse Spirits Co. today introduced a new 375 mL version of the brand’s award-winning Stillhouse whiskey. Filled with America’s Finest clear corn whiskey, this flask-sized version of Stillhouse’s unbreakable, daring red, 100% stainless steel can is an industry first. Stillhouse is redefining “travel size” with a can that swiftly slides into your back pocket and enables its signature whiskey to more easily travel where glass can’t go.

“We’re extremely proud to launch Stillhouse’s 375 mL ‘Roadie’,” said Brad Beckerman, Founder & CEO of Stillhouse Spirits Co. “As a young brand, the launch of our 375 complements our consumers’ lifestyles. We can’t wait to see where Stillhouse fans take our whiskey while they’re on-the-go.”

Like Stillhouse’s 750 mL, the new pocket-size can extends celebrations beyond typical bar settings and goes where glass can’t to places like backyard barbecues, tailgates, beach bonfires and more. The even more portable and lightweight nature of Stillhouse’s 375 mL can is also perfect for festival season, adventure travels, concerts, and camping. Simply toss the shatterproof can in your bag, backpack or cooler without worry and enjoy once you arrive where you’re headed.

Every Stillhouse expression is all-natural, gluten-free and available in the new, portable 375 mL, including Stillhouse’s 80-proof (40% ABV) Original whiskey as well as 69-proof (34.5% ABV) Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot whiskeys. Suggested retail price is $15.99.

Slide the #Stillhouse in your back pocket and let us know where you end up @StillhouseUSA.

About Stillhouse® whiskey

Revolutionary from the inside out, Stillhouse® is an unapologetic disruptor, breaking tradition at every turn. Made from estate-grown corn, Stillhouse is 100% clear corn American whiskey, distilled to perfection in authentic copper whiskey stills and charcoal-filtered for superior quality and taste. The Original 80-proof (40% ABV) has a remarkable mellow flavor and smooth finish. Stillhouse pays homage to the spirit of innovation and cutting against the grain. Defying convention from whiskey to package, Stillhouse is produced in Columbia, TN, and presented in a one-of-a-kind, patent pending, daring red, unbreakable 100% stainless steel can that goes where glass can’t go. Stillhouse uses a proprietary sour mash recipe to create its clean, crisp, gluten-free Original whiskey, with bold, all-natural flavors to make 69-proof (34.5% ABV) Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot whiskeys. Stillhouse is best served as a chilled shot, on the rocks to create a distinct riff on your favorite cocktail, or in a handcrafted punch. An award-winning whiskey, Stillhouse Original – the backbone of every Stillhouse flavored-whiskey – took home the gold medal at the 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. Recognized for its excellence in Spirit Packaging Design, Stillhouse received a Double Gold Award in the 2016 San Francisco World Spirit Competition, a Rosey Award, and a Silver award from The One Show in 2016. Stillhouse is currently available for purchase at select retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Suggested retail price is $27.99 for Stillhouse’s 750 mL can. Find out more at http://www.stillhouse.com/. Please enjoy responsibly.

Manager of iconic retail shop joins exclusive Scotch whisky society 

A retail shop manager, who has been enthusing visitors for nine years in one of the world’s most renowned whisky shops, has become a Keeper of the Quaich at an exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle, Perthshire.

Mark Angus, retail manager at Gordon & MacPhail’s historic shop, was invited to join the international and select society which recognises those that have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Mark Angus said: “I am honoured to become a Keeper of the Quaich. I wholeheartedly support the society’s mission to achieve a greater appreciation and awareness of our magnificent spirit and look forward to working alongside such distinguished individuals from across the industry to fulfil this common goal.

“I am privileged to spend my days sharing my passion for Scotch Whisky with visitors from across the globe. It is an industry of continuing discovery and I am constantly finding new and exciting whiskies to explore and share with our customers.

“I am fortunate to work with a hugely talented and experienced team at Gordon & MacPhail. Our retail premises opened in 1895 and we can draw upon 122 years of experience in delivering excellent customer service and whisky education.”

Mark offers regular tours and delivers tastings in Gordon & MacPhail’s iconic Whisky Room which stocks over 1000 different single malts, including many of the company’s own rare and aged expressions. He also sits on the company’s whisky quality panel and selects single casks bottlings for exclusive sale in the shop. The shop also offers a selection of groceries, a well-stocked delicatessen and a dedicated wine and spirits room.

As a board member of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, a judge for Scottish Field’s Whisky Challenge Events and a passionate advocate of exceptional customer service, Mark ensures his team receive regular training and retain excellent product and industry knowledge.

The shop and its staff have been recognised with a five-star retail experience from VisitScotland and three Whisky Magazine Icons of Scotland Awards for retail excellence, most recently this year.

Mark and his colleagues will be delivering several engaging masterclasses and whisky themed events for local and international visitors and whisky aficionados during this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from 27^th April – 1^st May 2017.

Notes  

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail’s retail shop was established on 24 May 1895 and still trades today providing customers from around the world with a range of products and services including the world famous Whisky Room, a room dedicated to wines and spirits, and a selection of groceries and a well-stocked delicatessen.

Since these early days the business, owned for four generations by the Urquhart family, has grown and has a number of business interests.  The company is one of the United Kingdom’s top specialist wines and spirits wholesalers; a distiller, owning Benromach Distillery in Forres; and a bottler of Scotch whiskies from throughout Scotland.

Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with new-make spirit, and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 2015 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 75-Year-Old Mortlach, distilled in 1939.

THE MACALLAN IN LALIQUE LEGACY COLLECTION ACHIEVES EXCEPTIONAL AUCTION PRICE

OF US$993,000 AT SOTHEBY’S HONG KONG  

Sunday 2 April saw the sale of the extraordinary The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection – a set of six stunning crystal decanters containing the rarest of The Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old – for US$993,000 at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong.

Following more than a decade of collaboration, the highly coveted collection marks the grand finale in the prestigious Six Pillars odyssey – an exclusive series of limited edition decanters by The Macallan and master French crystal maker, Lalique, inspired by the foundation stones upon which The Macallan creates its exceptional whiskies.

As the world’s only complete collection, official and direct from The Macallan, The Legacy Collection was listed in the Sotheby’s ‘Finest & Rarest Wines and The Macallan’ auction in Hong Kong on Sunday 2 April 2017, with all net proceeds to be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.

Housed in a one and only, bespoke natural ebony cabinet created by Lalique Maison, The Legacy Collection also holds six Macallan Fine and Rare miniatures; two from each of the 1937, 1938 and 1939 vintages (signifying the zenith of Lalique’s contribution in the French Art Deco period), and six pairs of Lalique Macallan glasses, each serial numbered to commemorate the unique partnership.  Autographs of the masters behind the collection are included inside the cabinet, which also allows space for the buyer to have their own name engraved within it as well.

Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “This remarkable conclusion to The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series is a symbol of the strength behind our long-standing partnership and our unwavering commitment to going beyond the ordinary. To achieve this outstanding price at auction is testament to the quality, detail and absolute skill and mastery of the Lalique craftsmen and our expert whisky makers, and we are proud that this work of art has secured a wonderful contribution to Asian charities.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “The unprecedented price achieved for The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection reflects the exceptional nature of the piece – a complete one off and highly collectable work of art which marries the two houses. Masters in their respective fields, Lalique and The Macallan are joined by mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to craft, artistry and beauty. Since our partnership first began in 2005, it has achieved a number of world record prices at auction and we are delighted to provide both The Macallan and Lalique connoisseurs the opportunity to own something truly remarkable whilst contributing to Asian charities.” 

Robert Sleigh, Senior Director at Sotheby’s Asia, said, “It has been an honour for Sotheby’s to work with The Macallan and Lalique once again in offering this unique Macallan Collection that combines the exemplary artisanal skills of both Macallan and Lalique, to produce this once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire such a rare collectable item. The enthusiasm of over ten bidders in the room, online and over the phone demonstrates the importance with which global collectors regard The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection and the significance of its direct from the distillery provenance. It is fitting that it achieved a new world record for any lot of whisky ever sold at auction.”

The six exceptional whiskies contained in the cabinet are:

The Macallan in Lalique – Exceptional Oak Cask, 50 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Natural Colour, 55 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Finest Cut, 57 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Curiously Small Stills, 60 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Spiritual Home, 62 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Peerless Spirit, 65 Years Old

Since its inception in 2005, The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series has captured the imagination of collectors around the world. In 2014, The Macallan accounted for the top ten priced bottles sold at auction; eight out of ten sales being decanters from The Macallan in Lalique series (Whisky Magazine). In 2015, The Macallan was the most valuable whisky brand at auction, accounting for over 25% of the total value traded at auction (Rare Whisky 101).

The Macallan has a strong relationship with Sotheby’s, having previously worked together on both its world record auctions including, The Macallan 64 Years old in Lalique Cire Perdue Decanter in November 2010, selling at auction in New York for US$460,000, and the Imperial M Decanter in January 2014, selling at auction in Hong Kong for US$628,000.

The charities set to receive funding from the proceeds of the auction include those which benefit disadvantaged people in Hong Kong and throughout Asia by supporting them with food needs, skills to help them back into employment, and medical requirements.

For further information about The Macallan visit www.themacallan.com

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its’ founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 150 hectare estate, with Easter Elchies House at its heart, a Highland Manor built in 1700. www.themacallan.com

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, went on to become a master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and for a widely celebrated artistic style. Through its contemporary work in six areas, Lalique revives and pursues the creative, eclectic work of its founder: jewellery, decorative items, interior design, fragrances, art, as well as hospitality. All crystal items are handcrafted in the company’s sole manufacturing site, which has been located in the Alsace region in France since 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand.  www.lalique.com

About Sotheby’s Wine

Sotheby’s Wine auctions in 2016 brought a worldwide total of HK$575 million / US$74 million.  Sotheby’s overall total of HK$689 million / US$88.27 million for global wine auctions in 2010 is the highest in the company’s forty-seven years of wine auctions.

The Lafite Ex Cellars sale held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October 2010 set a new record for a single standard sized bottle at auction when a bottle of Château Lafite 1869 sold for US$232,692.  This means that Sotheby’s now holds the world records for a standard bottle, a bottle in any format – the Jeroboam of Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 which fetched US$310,700 in February 2007 in New York – and any wine lot at auction – the Romanée-Conti Superlot (114 bottles) which sold for HK$12,556,250 (US$1,609,776) at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in October 2014.

Sotheby’s holds the record for a wine collection sold at auction.  Wines from the Cellar of William I. Koch (New York, 19-21 May 2016) brought a total of US$21.9 million, with 100% lots sold.

Between 2009 and October 2011 Sotheby’s Hong Kong maintained 16 consecutive 100%-sold wine auctions in Asia – the only major auction house with this record.  www.sothebys.com/wine

Charitable Donation

All net proceeds of the auction will be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.  The full list of charities set to benefit includes:

Hong Kong charities

• Society for the Community Organization which supports disadvantaged people in Hong Kong.
• Food Link Foundation which specialises in coordinating food needs for disadvantaged families in Hong Kong.
• Crossroads Foundation which supports disadvantaged people in Hong Kong, specifically helping unemployed people who lack the correct skill sets between jobs. 

Regional charities

• Watsi which provides support to those in need of medical and surgical support and works globally and regionally including in Asia-Pacific.
• One Sky Foundation which supports orphans in Asia-Pacific.

Special Whiskey glasses which has travelled half the world!

Something new but no less exciting! Personalized present, which has travelled half the world. Today I will talk about you – whiskey or bourbon lovers. Have you ever felt the same feeling, when you wanted to please and surprise him or her, but could not find an appropriate gift?

Whiskey gourmets and lovers are special, you know. They are picky, solid. Every sip of whiskey are special for them. Full of different sensations and knowledge, enjoyment. And so the vessel from which they taste should be no less special. Special for special, you know.

Once my friend asked me if I could create something special for her partner. He loves nature, trees – she said. His job is closely related with carpentry. He also is very patriotic. Ok, I said – it will be very interesting challenge for me! And yes, after few days thinking, I combined symbols, which were the reflection of everything she told. So, here we go – please meet my engraved whiskey glasses with Baltic amber drops on special engraved oak tree’s branches!

After few years I reminded this adorable creation and repeated for very special client from Australia. Here what she said, after getting them: “I was looking for a unique and special 40th birthday present for my partner – who is a whiskey lover – and I stumbled upon these wonderfully crafted glasses. I ordered a set with his name engraved on one of the glasses. My order arrived within a week and I was most delighted with the finished product, not to mention the great care and attention paid to the packaging of the items so they wouldn’t be damaged during shipping.” Good examples commits. There is nothing impossible! Find yourself free to know more about the possibility to get such whiskey or bourbon glasses decor. Special for special. You know. Check here.

WHISKY MAGAZINE APPOINTS NEW EDITOR AND GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Whisky Magazine, launched in 1998, has appointed Rob Allanson, formerly Global Ambassador at William Grant & Sons, as its Editor and Global Brand Ambassador.

Responsible for all editorial content in Whisky Magazine, its digital edition, supplements, WhiskyMag.com and social media, Rob will also represent Whisky Magazine at Whisky Live around the world as its Global Ambassador.

After a career in regional press, followed by editorial roles with Scotland Magazine and Whisky Magazine, Rob returns to Paragraph with enhanced industry knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the production and blending process. Putting this knowledge in to daily use, Rob will become one of the two tasters for the magazine, will chair the World Whiskies Awards and host Masterclasses around the world. As Chairman of the Whisky Magazine Awards, he will work with all parts of the industry, from distilleries to their visitor centres, retailers to bars.

Publisher Damian Riley-Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Rob back to the publishing industry which has always been close to his heart. His writing and presentation skills, along with his depth of knowledge on all things whisky, make him the very best person to bring our whisky media, awards and events to their next level.”

Facts

•  Whisky Magazine: launched 1998
•  Published eight times a year in print and digital formats
•  Online since 1999 at www.whiskymag.com

Contact

Sam Coyne, Editorial Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1603 633 808
Email: samuel@paragraph.co.uk

IRISH DISTILLERS’ PRESTIGE WHISKEY RANGE IMPRESSES JUDGES AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2017 

• Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey scored 99/100 – the joint highest score by any whisk(e)y in any category for 2017
• Highest score for an Irish whiskey since Redbreast 21 scored 100/100 in 2014
• Eight of Irish Distillers’ single pot still Irish whiskey entrants scored 95 or above
• Top six highest scoring Irish whiskeys are all crafted by Irish Distillers   

Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been awarded an almost perfect 99/100 score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017 – one of the leading US based spirits awards. Yellow Spot was recognised by the judges for its quintessential single pot still character and is the highest scoring Irish whiskey in any category since Redbreast 21 was awarded 100 points in 2014.

Irish Distillers’ Prestige whiskey range was awarded eight scores of 95/100 or above, from nine entrants, demonstrating the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys from the Midleton Distillery. For a full set of Ultimate Spirits Challenge results from the Redbreast, Spot and Powers ranges see below:

• Yellow Spot 12 Year Old (Chairman’s Trophy) – 99/100
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – 98/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength 12 Years Old – 97/100
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – 97/100
• Redbreast 21 Year Old – 97/100
• Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton – 96/100
• Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year Old – 95/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – 95/100

• Green Spot – 89/10

Lorna Kavanagh, Senior Brand Manager for Redbreast & Spot Range at Irish Distillers, said: “The Irish Distillers Prestige range has once again demonstrated its enduring class at a global spirits tasting competition. In particular, we are delighted that Yellow Spot scored a fantastic 99 out of 100, but we would also like to recognise Redbreast, which has cemented its position as the most awarded Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge signals the start of the awards season and we look forward to supporting the range throughout 2017.”

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